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Four ways data driven digital identity verification can help build a smarter state
Keeping accurate data records and conducting thorough identity verification and background screening checks are essential practices for many public sector organisations. From governments and local councils to hospitals and state-run schools, using smart, data driven identity verification can not only help keep public organisations fully secure and totally compliant but also help public sector services to be more inclusive. Here are four ways data-driven identity verification can help build a smarter state:
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Fight identity fraud in the public sector
Just like every other industry, public services are increasingly falling victim to fraud. Our Global Fraud Report 2024 revealed 96% of fraud professionals are worried about the industrialisation of fraud and 79% have seen a significant increase in the sophistication of fraud attempts in the past year. Synthetic identity fraud for example, where identities are entirely fabricated or created using a mix of genuine, stolen personal information and manufactured data, is a fraud vector of particular concern. In Europe, over a fifth of fraud prevention professionals say GenAI used to create convincing synthetic identities is their biggest concern.
Synthetic identity theft is just one of the fraudulent threats facing the public sector today. To tackle fraud in the most cost and resource efficient way, using a combination of credit bureau data checks, email, mobile data and biometrics and other alternative data as part of a proven multi-layered approach that strengthens the identity verification process is key. This data-driven approach provides a more robust and informed way of validating identity and identifying fraud, such as synthetic identities.
As well as this, new innovations such as digital identity scores can provide effective ways to analyse the authenticity of digital identities that goes beyond binary Know Your Customer (KYC) checks to confidently onboard more good identities.
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Identify inaccuracies from the start
The public sector isn't just at risk from malicious actors; it also needs to identify and correct honest mistakes to provide accurate services. With advanced mathematical algorithms, state-of-the-art colour wave technology, and a global library of document images, we can now verify ID documentation from around the world to ensure authenticity as well as highlight inconsistencies.
Machine learning technology can detect fake documents and tampering, including face substitutions, recaptured images, and font tampering, ensuring that individuals are genuine and reducing the risk of identity fraud and associated losses as well as reducing resources spent on identifying inaccurate applications manually. There are numerous use cases for this technology in local public services. For instance, fraud prevention technology can assist Trading Standards investigators in identifying fraud by linking individuals and businesses.
With approximately 84% of the world's countries offering their citizens access to at least one online transactional service and the global average at 14, it's crucial for the public sector to invest in technology to ensure security and compliance, protecting both themselves and the citizens they serve.
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Spot and stop fraudsters at onboarding with cross-sector and industry collaboration
Criminals don’t limit fraud attacks to one business, industry or stop at national boundaries either. Nor does digital identity fraud respect team confines. Their approach to public sector is no different – if they see an opportunity to exploit a vulnerability across multiple platforms, they will.
Up until now organisations in both the private and public sector have been hesitant to collaborate across sector and with other industries. However, with new innovations in the digital identity industry, cross sector and industry collaboration is now possible. Through the intelligence provided by identity networks, organisations can spot and stop fraud at onboarding, safe in the knowledge that data privacy is upheld.
By not just focusing on known fraud, and by broadening insight to be across multiple sectors and countries – organisations can gain more value and insight on an identity and whether they are trustworthy. With this holistic view of an identity, organisations can identify first party and third-party fraudsters such as false representation, or more complex fraud like synthetic identities. This data-driven approach to identity verification, can enable the public sector to better stop fraudsters from the very first interaction, optimising KYC spend, resource and ensuring compliance.
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Create a more inclusive service
By getting the most complete view of an identity through an identity network, powered by billions of unique identity insights and industry expertise, more good customers can be recognised at the very first contact, even if their identity footprint is small. This helps to increase identity inclusion for thin-file, new-to-country customers, or those without an ID document, who can be unfairly excluded from accessing goods and services through traditional and binary KYC checks.
Furthermore, many citizens still struggle to access the digital economy - Ofcom’s 2023 Technology Tracker estimates 7% of the UK population do not have internet access at home. By enabling those who can benefit from a fully digital journey, we can free up time and resources for public service employees to support other members of the public who need one-on-one assistance, ultimately fostering a more inclusive environment.
Heather Cover-Kus
Heather is Head of Central Government Programme at techUK, working to represent the supplier community of tech products and services to Central Government.
Ellie Huckle
Ellie joined techUK in March 2018 as a Programme Assistant to the Public Sector team and now works as a Programme Manager for the Central Government Programme.
Austin Earl
Austin joined techUK’s Central Government team in March 2024 to launch a workstream within Education and EdTech.
Ella Gago-Brookes
Ella joined techUK in November 2023 as a Markets Team Assistant, supporting the Justice and Emergency Services, Central Government and Financial Services Programmes.
Annie Collings
Annie joined techUK as the Programme Manager for Cyber Security and Central Government in September 2023. In this role, she supports the Cyber Security SME Forum, engaging regularly with key government and industry stakeholders to advance the growth and development of SMEs in the cyber sector.
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