Introduction to the UK’s Digital Identity & Attributes Trust Framework
The UK Digital Identity & Attributes Trust Framework (DIATF) is a ground-breaking government initiative that aims to modernise the UK by introducing reusable, certified digital IDs. Developed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and first published in February 2021, with an updated version released in June 2022, the DIATF sets the rules, standards, and governance for Digital Identity Service Providers (IDSPs), Attribute Service Providers (ASPs), and Orchestration Service Providers (OSPs) to ensure the digital identity ecosystem is as trustworthy as traditional forms of identification like passports and bank statements.
The framework includes a certification process for IDSPs and ASPs to confirm that they meet the required standards, making it especially relevant in the current climate of rapid adoption of remote biometric identity verification.
The importance of ID verification in the digital age
It’s now more important than ever to confirm the identity of the people and organisations we interact with online. Whether you’re buying or selling a property, opening a bank, or instructing a solicitor – it’s essential to ensure the security and integrity of your personal information. That’s where digital identity verification comes in.
So, what is it?
Simply put, digital identity verification is the process of verifying someone’s identity online. It helps protect against fraud, identity theft, and other types of cybercrime by allowing individuals and organisations to complete AML and ID checks and know who they are dealing with.
There are several methods of digital identity verification, including the use of passwords and two-factor authentication, as well as more comprehensive and secure methods such as biometric verification. This method provides the highest level of security needed and the type of transaction being conducted.
The HM Land Registry provide a Digital ID Standard that is a high level of verification that is based on a set of requirements outlined in the Government’s Good Practice Guide (GPG45). These requirements involve the use of biometric and cryptographic methods to verify the identity of individuals and confirm that they are genuine parties in a registrable transaction. When properly implemented, the Digital ID Standard meets the standards set by the HM Land Registry for verifying the identity of parties in a registrable transaction. Conveyancers and conveyancing firms that follow this standard will have satisfied their obligation to take reasonable steps to verify their clients’ identities and will be considered to have reached “Safe Harbour.”
How the Trust Framework ensures secure and reliable ID verification
The UK DIATF is a set of guidelines and standards designed to ensure the reliable and secure verification of digital identities in the UK. It is intended to provide a framework for the development and use of digital identity systems in the UK, including both public and private sector systems.
Here is a detailed explanation of how the framework ensures reliable and secure ID verification:
1. Identity proofing: This involves verifying the identity of an individual or entity before issuing them with a digital identity credential. This can be done through various methods, such as in-person verification, online verification, or using trusted third parties.
2. Credential issuance: Once an individual’s identity has been verified, they can be issued with a digital identity credential, such as an electronic identity card or a digital certificate. These credentials are designed to be secure and difficult to forge and are issued by trusted identity providers.
3. Secure communication channels: The framework requires the use of secure communication channels for the transmission of digital identity credentials and other sensitive information. This helps to prevent interception and tampering of the data.
4. Fairness and transparency: The framework includes principles that require the digital identity verification process to be fair and transparent, and to respect individuals’ privacy rights. This includes ensuring that individuals are informed about how their personal data is being used, and that they can control the use of their digital identity.
5. Mutual trust: The framework promotes the concept of “mutual trust” between different parties involved in the verification process, including identity providers, verifiers, and relying parties. This means that all parties have a shared responsibility to ensure the reliability and security of the process.
Three ways the DIATF helps in protecting personal information
1. Transparent and fair
The role of a trust framework in protecting personal information is to provide guidance on how to handle personal data in a way that is transparent, fair, and respectful of individuals’ rights. It helps organisations to understand their legal and ethical obligations and to develop practices and policies that align with these obligations.
2. Data protection
One of the key elements of a trust framework is the concept of data protection. This refers to the measures that organisations take to secure personal information from unauthorised access, use, or disclosure. This can include technical measures such as encryption and secure servers, as well as organisational measures such as access controls and employee training.
3. Data privacy
Another important aspect of a trust framework is the concept of data privacy. This refers to the ways in which organisations respect individuals’ privacy rights and control over their personal information. This includes providing clear and concise privacy policies that outline how personal information will be used, obtaining consent from individuals before collecting or using their personal information, and giving individuals the right to access, correct, or delete their personal information.
The trust framework plays a critical role in protecting personal information by providing a set of guidelines and standards that organisations can follow to ensure that they are handling personal data in a responsible and ethical manner. By adhering to these guidelines, organisations can build trust with their customers and stakeholders and help to create a safe and secure online environment for everyone.
The benefits of using the Trust Framework for ID verification in the UK
In recent years, many IDV providers have entered the market, but choosing the right one can be difficult, as there are many different standards and capabilities to consider.
The new certification system for IDSPs sets standards for how the public can interact with these certified providers and ensures the protection of their data. It also allows for the reuse of digital identities, making it easier to confirm one’s identity remotely and limiting access to credentials. This robust framework for digital identities will also help to reduce fraud, as fraud management is a key part of the system.
The certification system allows businesses to make more informed choices when selecting an IDV provider and to have confidence that the provider has met a high level of compliance that has been independently evaluated and certified.
Verify 365 is at the forefront of the digital identity market, offering solutions for companies to issue digital identities as well as facilitating acceptance through its proven identity verification solutions.
If you are interested in learning more about how Verify 365 can help your business navigate the digital identity landscape, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a conversation. We’ll be happy to discuss the best approach for your business.
