AusPost Digital iD gets full Govt accreditation

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Australia Post’s Digital iD service has received federal government accreditation as a “trusted identity service provider”, with the Digital Transformation Agency deeming the service eligible under the requirements of the Trusted Digital Identity Framework (TDIF). 
 

Developed over a three-year public consultation process, the TDIF serves as a national standard for digital identity, setting “rules and requirements” for organisations that employ a digital identity validation system.

TDIF accredited members are required to meet a set of 19 policy standards, among which include assessments of organisations’ capacity to handle personal information, the usability and accessibility of identity services, minimum privacy and security provisions, risk management, and fraud control. 
 
Australia Post becomes the first industry provider accredited under the TDIF, joining government agencies the Department of Human Services and ATO as established members. 
 
AusPost’s Digital iD service allows customers to verify and confirm their identities through their smart devices for a number of linked services (including financial services organisations and accommodation providers), using facial biometrics and “liveness testing” to link individuals to their identity. 
 
As yet, Credit Union Australia (CUA) remains the only major financial services organisation linked to the AusPost service. However, it is expected more institutions will link to the service in due course.

TDIF accreditation remains limited to Australian Government entities. However, moving forward, industry partners are also expected to be granted full accreditation. 
 
In a statement, Government Services Minister Stuart Robert said Australia Post’s accreditation will serve as the “foundational step” needed to transform the digital identification system into a true ‘whole of economy’ solution.” 
 
“This makes sure every Government agency and organisation that becomes part of the identity system is held to the same high standards. In the future, we look forward to having many government agencies, banks, or other organisations undergo accreditation to become part of the identity system.” 
 
The fourth iteration of the TDIF will be released at the end of 2019, expected to open more opportunities for interoperability of Digital Identity systems across the broader economy. 
 
The DTA will conduct yearly audits of accredited providers to ensure they uphold the TDIF’s standards.