The Collapse of the DPDI Bill, its impact on UK Digital Identity & Global Context
In this guest insight from techUK member Synectics Account Development Director Thomas Whitaker provides his thoughts on the DPDI Bill, and why he's optimistic for the future of Digital ID.
Thomas Whitaker
Uncertainty in the UK due to government change
The current, expected change in government has brought uncertainty to many areas in the UK, with several initiatives being dropped. The digital identity sector has been dealt a blow through the collapse of the Data Protection and Digital Information (DPDI) bill, which was expected to provide support to the development of the use of digital identity in the UK.
The collapse of the DPDI bill has caused much concern and with Labours’ stance on data protection and AI differing to that of the Conservatives, should they gain control in the upcoming election, it may mean a change of direction on such topics. Focus areas for the party appear to be centred around the regulation of AI and better alignment with the EU AI Act as opposed to data protection reform.
DPDI Bill’s Impact on Digital Identity in the UK
For context, it’s worth laying out how the bill was set to impact digital identity in the UK. Supporting the UK’s Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Frameworks (DIATF), which set the ground for the use of digital identity in; right to work, right to rent and DBS checks, the DPDI bill moved to broaden use cases and increase user confidence in the notion of digital identity, with a view to digital ID’s harnessing comparable credence to physical documentation.
The bill would have meant the introduction of a digital identity regulator along with providing the legal basis on which the DIATF could be developed. The four key components would have delivered; a Digital Verification Service (DVS) Trust Framework setting out rules surrounding the provision of digital ID services, a register of businesses providing the services, an information gateway allowing authorities to share information with registered organisations, and a trust mark for registered providers.
Reason for optimism despite the setback
The collapse of the bill is disappointing to those affected, however considering significant strides have been made in digital ID in the UK already, there is a general feeling of hope that any government coming into power would recognise the value of creating such digital ecosystems. In order to embrace technological advancements, digital ID related or otherwise, there is an expectation that recognition must be made to frameworks that support the UK's status as a tech incubator. Notwithstanding the generally accepted benefits of digital identity to residents within the UK when it comes to sharing, protection and control over personal data.
Looking more broadly, the OIX has stated that they continue to analyse various global frameworks to improve how digital ID operates in the UK and stated that they will persevere in lobbying for further development of regulatory guidance.
The ISO continues to develop international standards such as 29115 and 24760 that are focussed on creating and holding identities and remain optimistic that global identity standards could be developed, delivering true borderless digital ID interoperability through global identity service provider certifications.
Whilst the collapse of the DPDI bill is surely a set-back, positive directional development remains through affiliated parties and of course operators within the space.
Keep up-to-date with the latest on the digital ID and fraud industry, follow Synectics on LinkedIn. Or get insights on the latest trends by visiting the Synectics website here.
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