December 2024
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This conference focused on next steps for the rollout and regulation of digital identities and verification services in the UK.
It followed the introduction of the Data (Use and Access) Bill sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, which aims to support the creation and adoption of secure and trusted digital identity products and services.
The conference was a timely opportunity for stakeholders, regulators and policymakers to examine key proposals in the Bill, including the preparation of the Digital Verification Services trust framework and options for supplementary codes in the future.
With the Office for Digital Identities and Attributes launched in October 2024, delegates discussed its role and responsibilities, including priorities for transparency, clarity for providers and users, and enforcement of standards for data privacy and security, alongside implementation of the certification trust mark. Those attending also looked at how the OfDIA can best support the sector, as well as promoting accessibility and trust.
The future for policy relating to the wider use of digital technology in identity was also discussed, with it being confirmed that digital ID cards will not be introduced in the UK.
Delegates examined the rollout of age verification tools for restricted goods and services, as well as options for addressing concerns around accessibility, inclusion and uptake. Implementation of digital verification measures was also examined, including in sectors such as financial and public services, retail and housing, and markets such as gambling.
It was also an opportunity to consider the international approach to digital identity rollout and regulation, following EU legislation passed in May 2024 requiring member states to offer all citizens and residents at least one EU Digital Identity Wallet by 2026. Delegates discussed what can be learned for potential implementation in the UK, assessing the opportunities and challenges for innovation, deployment and market competition.
Further sessions focused on the cross-border interoperability of digital identities and implications for consumers and businesses, following the recent agreement between certification bodies in the UK and Spain.
Priorities for ensuring privacy and security were also discussed. Areas for discussion included mitigating cyber security risks, the way forward for the safe deployment of AI and emerging technologies within digital identity systems, and adherence to data protection regulations. Delegates considered measures to promote digital inclusion, as well as the potential for legislation to protect the use of traditional non-digital forms of identity verification.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Hannah Rutter, CEO, Office for Digital Identities and Attributes, DSIT; Natalie Jones OBE, Director, Digital Identity, Government Digital Service; Vicente Andreu Navarro, Policy Officer, European Commission; Helen Child, Founder, Open Banking Excellence; and Yiannis Theodorou, Senior Advisor and Global Lead, Digital Identity, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.
Overall, areas for discussion included:
- regulatory framework: assessing proposals in the Data (Use and Access) Bill - the way forward for the DVS trust framework - role and responsibilities of the OfDIA
- market developments: options for the deployment of digital wallets in the UK - overcoming barriers to adoption - strategies for promoting competition and fostering innovation
- use cases and opportunities: unlocking economic growth across the private and public sector - enhancing efficiency in public-service delivery - next steps for open finance and tackling fraud
- interoperability: implications of EU eIDAS 2.0 regulation for UK service providers and consumers - cross-border interoperability - the way forward for international agreements
- privacy and security:
- strategies for building public trust - tackling digital exclusion - ensuring transparency and accountability of data usage
- mitigating cyber security risks - opportunities and challenges of AI in digital identities - fraud detection and prevention
- policy: options for mandating compliance with the trust framework - strategies for encouraging adoption - way forward for digital identity rollout
All delegates were able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those that attended include officials from Dstl; DSIT; ICO; Ofcom; HMRC; DfE; DHSC; Defra; DfT; GLD; HM Treasury; HoC Library; Home Office; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.
