Why digital identity is important
Digital identity and verifiable credentials provide a trusted and reliable way for us to prove who we are, both online and in the physical world.
What are the benefits?
Digital identity and verifiable credentials provide a trusted and reliable way to prove who you are, both online and in the physical world. As more transactions move online, being able to prove your identity online in a safe, secure and trusted manner will allow you to navigate the digital world with confidence.
Digital identity and verifiable credentials can make your online interactions more convenient, private and secure.
You will benefit from digital identity and verifiable credentials through improved security and control of your personal data, a decreased risk of identity or data theft, and improved access and speed of access to services.
You can control the sharing of your information, sharing only the minimum amount of information needed for a given transaction, with visibility into who accesses your data and what it is used for and can remove access at any time.
Organisations that rely on your identity or credentials will have access to trusted, verified digital identity information that allows them to provide faster, more efficient and more cost-effective customer services.
What is a digital identity?
A digital identity is a way to prove your identity in a safe and secure way when accessing services or completing transactions online. A digital identity removes the need to prove your identity through face-to-face interactions and by using physical identity documents.
What is a verifiable credential?
A credential shows what you are entitled to or what you have achieved, and can include licences, qualifications and authorisations issued by government and private sector. Examples include a trade or drivers’ licence, education qualifications, medical certificates, disability permits, movie or concert tickets. Credentials are important but it can be difficult to use credentials like these online in a way that is secure, trustworthy and protects your privacy.
A verifiable credential is a digital version of a credential that can be easily used online and meets certain standards that mean the digital credential is secure, verifiable and protects the holders’ privacy by supporting them to share only the minimum amount of information necessary.