Proof of Identity: Digital Technology

Question

Digital identities already exist. The digital verification services provisions in the Data (Use and Access) Act look to enable people and organisations to use secure digital identities with greater confidence, they don’t create new digital identity documents.

The government plans to introduce digital versions of existing government-issued documents through the GOV.UK Wallet, a secure digital service for storing government-issued credentials on users’ smartphones. People will be able to use these documents to help prove things about themselves, such as eligibility to access services within government and more widely. The rollout begins this summer with the Veterans Card, followed by driving licences later in the year. All central government credentials are expected to be available by 2027. The GOV.UK Wallet is not, however, creating new identity documents.