The government has put in motion plans for an electronic verification system which would remove the need to provide original official documentation to prove identity.
Following last year’s digital identity Call for Evidence, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport have responded confirming the government are proposing to modify existing laws so that “digital identity” can be widely utilised.
In the consultation outcome response it said:
“….we will develop proposals for a legal framework to remove regulatory barriers which prevent the use of secure digital identities and establish safeguards for citizens. We will also develop the next generation of digital identity use in government, and promote a pragmatic approach to international digital identity standards.”
With the eruption of the pandemic it meant that industries and many businesses had to quickly adapt due to unprecedented circumstances by providing online services and changing their culture, strategy and processes. Therefore, widening the use of digital identity has become especially crucial in order to fulfill everyday tasks for the public and businesses alike.
The effective use of digital identities and digital signatures will be beneficial to the Wills and Probate sector as it removes the need for face to face verification and continual postage of private sensitive identity documents in what can be a highly emotional and complex situation.
In a statement, Cabinet Office Minister Julia Lopez said:
“It is clear that there is a need and an expectation for the government to make it easier for people to use digital identities quickly, safely and securely and we are committed to enabling this. We want to ensure there is transparency for people when they create and use digital identities so that they are always in control of who has access to their data and for what purpose.”
The Call for Evidence had 148 respondents which focused on four key areas where it wanted further information and insight:
- needs and problems
- criteria for trust
- role of government
- role of private sector
The full Call for Evidence Consultation outcome can be found here.
