The UK Government has released new proposals to improve the process of identity checking online in an attempt to make it more secure and efficient.
A new call for evidence has been produced to explore both the governments and the private sector roles in developing digital identity technology.
Its aim is to “seek views on how to achieve higher levels of trust between the public and organisations checking their identities.”
Digital Secretary Jeremy Wright explained: “We are determined to cement Britain’s place as a world-leading digital economy by creating a regulatory environment which works for consumers, citizens and businesses.
“These new proposals could make it easier for people to prove their identity without compromising their personal information and for businesses to conduct checks in a safe and secure way.
“This will help make sure more and more people benefit from the huge potential of technology and can use it to shop, bank and access Government services.”
In the proposals features include the potential for individuals to be given the opportunity to reuse previously verified identities across different sectors and services.
The government use reports that suggest “unlocking the value of digital identity could add 3% to the UK GDP by 2030.”
It is hoped using modern tech will streamline any onboarding/registration process whilst also reduce instances of fraud.
Recent figures show identity fraud is a growing problem across the UK and last year the fraud prevention service Cifas reported 189,000 incidents of identity theft.
Speaking to PaymentExpert, John Marsden, managing director (EMEA), iovation, commented on the proposals: “It is good to see the proliferation of a centralised electronic identity and its wider exploitation through commercial organisations, albeit critical mass and adoption still has a long way to go – at 5 million today – this does not fully serve the population of the UK.
“Future innovation based around this scheme are vital to enable a rounded view of citizens digital identity, where we can leverage trust in real time, removing friction for good customers.”
Looking ahead, a “small pilot scheme” is set to be launched to support users when applying for services such as credit cards.
Organisations will be able to examine a person’s identity using British passport data – beginning with those who currently provide digital identity services to government.
The government made clear no organisation would be given access to government-held data under the new proposals; identity providers would receive a yes or no as to whether the document was validly issued, with no personal data not already provided by the individual being used or shared.
Any new solutions will be compliant with recently strengthened data protection laws and set out requirements for the secure transfer of data. There will be no central identity database and individuals will be in control of their personal data.
The pilot scheme will also test if there is a market for these new types of digital identity checking services.
Minister for Implementation Oliver Dowden said: “We are committed to delivering a thriving digital identity market that allows people to access more government and private sector services online safely and securely.
“Last October I announced that the GOV.UK Verify programme is mature enough to move to the next phase of its development, in which the private sector takes on responsibility for broadening the usage and application of digital identity in the UK. Allowing organisations greater flexibility to reuse identities is an important step towards this goal.”
