Australian Digital ID System Unveiled By Federal Government.
Australian Digital ID System Unveiled – Australia’s Federal Government has quietly unveiled a digital ID system that will allow Australians to verify ID using a mobile phone tap rather than fussing around with driver’s licences and passports.
The new digital ID would also make the task of security staff seeking reliable authentication much simpler.
Couched as a mechanism that gives Australians control of their private data, the digital ID project is called the Trust Exchange and will store information such as date of birth, address, citizenship, visa status, qualifications and other information held by the government.
Services Australia has been tasked with managing the roll out of the program and will partner with other government systems. The system will be accessed via the myGov digital wallet on a mobile phone using a QR code and you need to consent via your digital wallet to share specific types of information.
Australian Digital ID System Unveiled
Australia’s most trusted politician, Government Services Minister, Bill Shorten, said TEx would eliminate the need for people to hand over multiple forms of sensitive ID and could be used in areas such as applying for jobs or renting accommodation.
“Whatever the case, online or in person, you choose what is shared, you consent to it being shared and you can trust it is safe,” Shorten said. “All that has been exchanged has been a digital ‘thumbs up’ from the government that you are who you say you are.”
“Take the case of someone going to the local RSL Club and wanting to prove they’re from interstate or that they’re over 18,” Shorten said.
“They’d just hold their phone up to a QR code or tap-to-pay machine and a digital token will be sent to the club vouching for their identity, address and age.
“None of that information needs to be kept by the club. The token will be a valuable promise to the club, but of zero value to a cybercriminal.”
Shorten said TEx could rival the gold standard European regulator for data protection, but without the same complexity. You can learn marginally more about TEx from a fun infographic here or read more SEN news here.
“Australian Digital ID System Unveiled By Federal Government.”
