Digital identity and attributes

Digital identities are an easy way to help us prove who we are without the need for physical documents. They can also help us prove things about us, such as our age or our qualifications.

This consultation asked for views on how the digital identity system should operate, including proposals for a governing body which will be charged with making sure organisations follow government rules on digital identity.

Online authentication, identity and eligibility solutions can increase security, ease of use and accessibility to public services. They are central to making public services more efficient and effective. They will also improve people’s ability to operate confidently in an increasingly digital economy.

The government is committed to realising the benefits of digital identity, without creating ID cards. Earlier tin 2021 the government published a draft of the UK digital identity and attributes trust framework. This set out what rules and standards are needed to protect people’s sensitive identity data when used digitally.

More information can be found in this press release.

This consultation sought views on three key issues:

• the governance system to oversee digital identity and and make sure organisations comply with the rules
• how to allow trusted organisations to make digital checks against authoritative government-held data
• establishing the legal validity of digital identities, so people are confident they are as good as physical documents like passports or bank statements.