Did you hear about the Albanese government’s 2023 Digital ID legislation draft? With the proposed legislation, Australians may no longer need to rely on their passports or driver’s licenses when applying for leases or phone plans.
This move signals a significant step toward the establishment of a comprehensive NATIONAL Digital ID system in Australia.
It’s worth noting that the groundwork for this system was laid as far back as 2015, and the current voluntary framework has already seen more than 10.5 million Australians adopting Digital IDs for government service access. This level of adoption leads me to believe there’s a growing acceptance and trust in digital identity solutions among the population.
For those who don’t know – there is an ongoing consultation on the draft legislation, which is open until October 10, 2023, and it really presents a crucial opportunity for citizens to shape the future of digital identity in the country.
It’s a chance to provide input on how this system should be designed, implemented, and safeguarded to ensure privacy and security for all Australians.
In my view, the prospect of a national Digital ID system in Australia has the potential to streamline processes, enhance convenience, and reduce reliance on physical documents. However, it also raises important questions about data security, privacy protection, and the potential for misuse.
Is their current system not enough?
The current state of digital identity verification in Australia (operating without legislative backing – I might add) has certainly brought convenience to citizens.
The ability to use a Digital ID to confirm one’s identity without repeatedly handing over sensitive documents for various online services is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.
However, it’s important to recognize the limitations of this system.
The fact that it isn’t national in scope is a significant drawback. The Commonwealth can ONLY biometrically verify people against their passports.
And a driver’s licence or any other ID document issued by state and territory governments is not usable.
Obviously, this is a fragmented approach that has hindered the full potential of a unified digital ID system in many countries globally. And Australia has apparently taken note.
The current success of MyGovID, used by millions of Australians for accessing government services, demonstrates the appetite for such solutions.
But there’s also one fact I forgot to mention – MyGovId is primarily confined to government services only.
The fact that private sector providers currently cannot biometrically verify individuals against government-issued ID documents falls short of the grand vision of a truly national, economy-wide system.
As government services continue their digital transformation, the demand for a more comprehensive Digital ID system is only going to grow.
That’s why this draft holds the promise of streamlining interactions with various government agencies and enhancing the overall citizen experience.
Senator Gallagher has signalled she wants to focus on getting the current (MyGovID) credential working and interoperating with all levels of government and private services.
Final thoughts: It’s not only about cybersecurity…
I see many articles focusing on the importance of this legislation and national digital ID on cybersecurity. “The legislation will include additional privacy safeguards with an expanded role for the Information Commissioner.”
Well, that’s very important – obviously. Especially considering that one in five Australians suffer an identity crime or with their personal information involved in a data breach.
But I think it’s high time we recognize that a national digital identity system goes far beyond mere cybersecurity concerns. That’s where most governments focus on, forgetting that it’s about something else too: people.
I can’t stress enough how this legislation opens doors to tailoring services to each individual. Imagine a scenario where, in emergencies, various government services seamlessly revolve around the individual, sparing you the hassle of juggling multiple agencies.
But it shouldn’t stop there either! This system also needs to enable the hassle-free pre-filling of forms and automatic notifications for vital services, like health checkups or asthma warnings.
So, let’s not underestimate the transformative power of a national digital ID – it’s not just about protecting data; it’s about people, businesses and the economy.
It’s about enhancing the way people can interact with their government easily.
