Barcelona intends to cease the use of photocopies of members' DNI (national ID cards) for signature verification during elections and other processes within the next five years. This decision comes after complaints from club members about having to provide copies of their documents, raising concerns about personal data security.
During recent electoral campaigns, candidates requested copies, even photographs of both sides of the DNI taken with campaign mobile phones. This raised alarms for police and cybersecurity experts warning about identity fraud risks due to possible data leaks and forgery.
Notably, in the latest club elections, neither membership cards nor electronic identification tools were used for voting or signature verification — only DNI or passports for foreign members served this purpose. This approach prompted questions about the effectiveness and security of the procedures.
The modern solution lies in employing a unique, lifelong “member key” that remains constant every year. With the rollout of a digital membership card featuring a photo and this key, members will be able to conduct all actions such as signing, voting, and ticket purchasing securely and conveniently.
For Barcelona, this transition is more than a technical upgrade; it is a pivotal move towards digital transformation and increased trust among supporters. Eliminating the need for sharing DNI scans will protect member data and reduce legal and reputational risks. For fans, this means a safer and more user-friendly way to engage with the club.
