Could the horrifying hair behind your shoulders, expressionless ID pictures be on their way out? It may very well be the case.
Official groups – even governments – are slowly jumping on the selfie trend by allowing travellers to use them for photo identification.
Royal Caribbean kicked off the trend last year when it announced ‘Smart Check-In’ for its newest ship, Quantum of the Seas.
The system allows guests to take care of all necessary documentation at home, including uploading their own photo. This didn’t exclude selfies.
Now, Ireland’s tourism officials have confirmed that later this year citizens will be able to buy an official passport-style identification card and use a selfie for the photo.
The card will allow Irish people to travel throughout European airports without having a full passport on hand.
Travellers won’t need to wait in lines to pick up the card, they’ll simply be able to order it through an official app where their personal details will be added along with the selfie snap, Yahoo Tech reported.
But for anyone thinking of using a high-angled pout shot taken from a gathering with friends last weekend, the government will only allow the selfie to be taken through the app and it can’t be shared on Instagram or other social media platforms.
Once the card is printed and delivered it will be valid for up to five years.
Think Australia will come out with something similar? Better get your selfie skills ready by checking out our tips on how to take the perfect selfie.
Spain has banned selfies while running with the bulls.
Meanwhile, in other parts of the world, the selfie is being banned.
Among the places is Spain, where the government has barred any pics while running with the bulls (yeah, they actually had to ban it).
France has also introduced ‘No Braggies Zones’ at some of its beaches. The country has dubbed the selfie at #HolidaySpam and asked visitors to refrain.
Do you think selfies are safe enough for official documentation?