Statelessness and digital identity: Beyond “inclusion” as a metric for an acceptable identification system This briefing examines the concept of “inclusive” ID used by development sector professionals implementing new digital identity systems, framing the discussion against the agenda set by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, to “leave no one behind.” It picks up on debates on the benefits and risks of digital identity, in the specific context of the risks of new identification systems for those who are, or may be, stateless. It argues that, without specific measures to ensure that nationality is recognized or granted, whether by the state of residence or another state, new identification systems will generally replicate or intensify existing patterns of exclusion. The experiences of stateless people with digital identity systems are important for wider understanding; they teach us about the broader risks, limits, and opportunities of these technologies for all populations. As those most vulnerable to exclusion by design, stateless people reveal the gaps between the promise of technologies and the institutional reality that affect everyone interacting with digital identity systems, highlighting the universal need for human-centric design, robust governance frameworks, and legal protections that prioritize dignity and rights over administrative convenience and the state’s own policy goals. Statelessness and digital identity 4