UK Government paves the way for digital identities to become a reality

The UK Government is to introduce legislation that will pave the way for the introduction of digital ID cards that are as secure and trusted as paper documents like passports and driving licences.

Following a public consultation, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has said it will establish an Office for Digital Identities and Attributes to serve as an interim governing body for digital identities.

The new office will have the power to issue an easily recognised trustmark to certified digital-identity organisations to prove they meet the security and privacy standards needed to handle people’s data in a safe and consistent way. 

Those choosing to create a digital identity via one of these organisations will then be able to access their ID via an app or website to be used in-person or online.

Data minister Julia Lopez said: “The legislation we’re proposing will ensure that there are trusted and secure ways for people and organisations to use digital identities, should they choose to.”

Heather Wheeler, parliamentary secretary to the Cabinet Office, added: “The government is delivering a number of ambitious and interlinked policy initiatives to prepare the UK for the digital world, and to improve the lives of businesses and citizens.

“These initiatives, alongside enabling legislation, will help ensure the UK is able to take full advantage of the opportunities that digital identities and the wider digital economy have to offer.”