Current problems

People find it hard to prove who they are online securely and efficiently, due to a lack of access to their information. For example, much of their information is held by organisations, with specific control, access and use requirements. It can often be reused, but the processes are not user-centric for people.

People do need to share their information, but the lack of easy, safe and secure ways to do that online can lead to greater risks of privacy breaches, identity fraud and cybercrime.

Part of the reason it’s not easy to share is that systems that support sharing between organisations, and between government and the private sector do not currently easily support interoperability and reusability.

Proposed digital identity system

The proposed digital identity system will operate within the proposed Digital Identity Services Trust Framework. This means that it will be easier for people to access information about themselves, and to share it with service providers when applying for services.

The rules of the trust framework will provide minimum interoperability requirements, and a level of trust and security for both providers and people using tools and services within the system.

Proposed digital identity system 

Benefits for New Zealand

Digital identity capabilities are essential to access public and private sector services, such as welfare payments and doctor visits.

Having trusted digital identity services will:

• build our resilience to unexpected events and circumstances
• support NZ’s long-term economic recovery and growth
• enable digital trade and other cross-border transactions.

Having a trusted, coherent and sustainable digital identity system, built on agreed rules and standards, will improve access to digital services in NZ.

Expected outcomes

Establishing an accessible and effective digital identity system will unlock a range of opportunities across all parts of society.

People can expect:

• trust and confidence that their information is secure and private
• reduced risk of identification fraud and privacy breaches
• greater choice, and control over when and how they share their information
• easier digital access to services.

Businesses and organisations will experience:

• business efficiency, such as less duplication
• increased confidence to invest, with more ability to meet regulatory requirements
• greater confidence in the validity of information, with higher trust and lower risk.

Government will see:

• an improved ability to detect and deter security and privacy breaches
• easier options for sharing information with people’s consent
• greater international alignment.