The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has published the second version of digital identify trust framework.
It has made a number of changes from the first version, published in February, based on feedback from an online survey and engagement sessions with a range of other organisations.
The updated framework, which is still described as an alpha version, includes details on the certification of organisations against the trust framework in the future. This will include assessment through bodies accredited by the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) completing service audits to assess eligibility.
Another new feature is guidance on how organisations can work together to create a consistent approach with a better user experience and less need for repetitive verification processes. The framework outlines how organisations can describe data in the same format for others to know the method of identity verification used.
These are accompanied by revised definitions of the roles of the trust framework to make clear which applies to a specific service, and refined rules on issues such as how to manage digital identity accounts.
DCMS said applications have opened for organisations interested in taking part in the testing process, under which they will assess where their service meets the framework and provide feedback to the department. This should prepare them for full certification in the future.
Once finalised, the Government plans to bring the framework into law with the aim of making it easier and safer for people to prove who they are when using digital services.
Clarity for services
Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman said: “We are developing a new digital identity framework so people can confidently verify themselves using modern technology and organisations have the clarity they need to provide these services.
“This will make life easier and safer for people right across the country and lay the building blocks of our future digital economy.”
DCMS has also opened a consultation on the framework which is open until 13 September.
Image from iStock, Maxim Tkachenko
