Technology Industry calls Government for action on Digital ID

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TechUK has called on the UK Government for action over digital identity. TechUK have published a whitepaper ‘The case for digital IDs‘. The paper was presented in parliament on 7th February 2019.

The paper, sights that the UK is moving into a digital world, with a need to shop, access services (public and private) and conduct financial transactions online. It is considered that a digital identity is becoming an essential requirement. The ability for individuals and businesses to use a digital identity is key to unlocking value and a wide range or services in both public and private sectors.

The whitepaper makes 9 recommendations for UK digital identity.

  1. Establish a Government policy to facilitate the creation of a fully functioning digital identity ecosystem, which operates across public and private sectors.
  2. Nominate one point of contact within Government charged with leading this policy, in close collaboration with the private sector and full consultation with users.
  3. Publicly release plans now for the future development of Gov.UK Verify, towards the creation of a framework of standards, which can be used by all players.
  4. Provide plans for the further opening up of Government data (e.g. DVLA; HMPO; lost, stolen and fraudulently obtained documents, through services such as the Document Checking Service.)
  5. Enable examinations, membership and utilities bodies to issue attributes digitally to enable thin file consumers to build up a track record of their activities: e.g. their qualifications, memberships, employment and paying customer status.
  6. Recognise approved digital age and identity verification methods on an equal footing with paper based and face-to-face verification. Consistency is required in terms of online and offline.
  7. Set up a new lawful basis for processing biometric data for identity verification and authentication in order to support legislation such as the Digital Economy Act and recognise that biometrics are being used to increase security and combat fraud.
  8. Nominate a competent independent authority for digital identity.
  9. Plans should be put in place for government-led communications to raise public awareness of the importance of digital identity.

The whitepaper is positioned as plea from the technology industry for action in relation to digital identity. The paper goes onto explain that a lack of an identifier in the UK, such as the national ID card also makes it difficult for the private sector to implement such as scheme without government help.