Sarcouncil Journal of Engineering and Computer Sciences

Abstract: This article examines the critical intersection of cybersecurity, digital identity, and social equity. As essential services increasingly migrate to digital platforms, Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems have become fundamental to ensuring equitable participation in modern society. This research explores how properly designed IAM frameworks can simultaneously enhance security, promote inclusion, and protect privacy—establishing identity management as a vital public good rather than merely a technical necessity. Through analysis of current implementations and emerging approaches, we demonstrate that accessible, privacy-respecting identity systems are essential for achieving digital equity and fostering trust in digital infrastructure, particularly for historically marginalized and underserved populations. The study examines case studies from diverse global contexts, evaluating both successes and failures in identity management implementation, and proposes a comprehensive framework for developing more equitable systems that balance security imperatives with fundamental rights considerations. Our findings emphasize the importance of user-centered design, proportionate security measures, robust privacy protections, and inclusive governance models in creating identity systems that advance social justice while meeting essential security objectives.