Security News > 2021 > July > Verified: UK.gov launching plans for yet another digital identity scheme
The UK government is launching proposals to boost the legal status of digital identities, something it claims will ensure they are trusted as much as physical documents such as passports.
The government today argued digital identities could help reduce cases of online fraud because they are much harder for criminals to access and replicate than other types of online personal data such as dates of birth.
In its proposals, the government also said it thinks digital identities were an easy way to help individuals prove age or qualifications without requiring physical documents.
The consultation has asked for feedback on three issues: the governance system to oversee digital identity and make sure organisations comply with the rules; how it might allow trusted organisations to make digital checks against authoritative government-held data; and the legal validity of digital identities.
The consultation said digital identity would offer people who do not have access to an official document, such as a passport for example, the ability to prove their identity digitally through another government service, a trusted individual such as a doctor, or another trustworthy source.
The Department for Work and Pensions began developing its own online identity tool to ensure a secure transaction with government services.