The Government has launched the Office for Digital Identities and Attributes (ODIA) as part of its effort to support the use of digital identity services in the UK.
The new team, which is working within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), has set up a web page on GOV.UK saying it is responsible for the market in relevant services.
This includes the development and maintenance of a digital identity and attributes trust framework, maintaining a register of certified organisations, issuing a trust mark to identify registered services, and working with international partners to support relevant developments.
It has also emphasised the importance of ensuring inclusion in digital identity services.
Overcoming problems
Chief executive of the ODIA, Hannah Rutter, said the move to such services would overcome the problems many people face in paper based identity checks for access to public and private sector services. It is also expected to boost economic growth with net benefits of around £4.3 billion over the next 10 years.
“We’re doing this without any form of government identity card. This system does not involve a centralised database,” she said. “Using a digital identity will be completely voluntary. You will be in control of your data and who it is shared with.
“Instead, you’ll be able to choose from a range of digital identity and attribute providers, based in the private and charities sectors.”
The plan for the ODIA was first floated by the previous Government in 2022, and accompanies the ongoing development of the One Login mechanism for authenticating an identity in accessing central government services.
