In today’s digital landscape, the need for identity validation is more pressing than ever. Despite holding vast amounts of personal data, governments currently play a surprisingly limited role in the digital identity space. However, a recent draft report from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) outlines why this could—and should—change.
Governments and Identity Validation: A Game-Changing Opportunity
The NIST report suggests that governments could significantly enhance the accuracy and efficiency of identity validation by providing attribute validation services. This means that rather than relying on commercial data from credit bureaus and data brokers, government agencies could serve as the authoritative source of truth for verifying essential personal details.
The Current Landscape: Where Are We Now?
- Relying on Third Parties: Right now, many organisations, including government agencies, often depend on commercial entities for identity verification.
- Limited Government Role: Despite collecting a wealth of personal information, federal agencies have not fully leveraged this data for digital identity purposes.
What is Attribute Validation?
Attribute validation is essentially the process of confirming that a person’s submitted information—like their date of birth or social security number—matches the authoritative data held by the government. This is critical for preventing fraud and ensuring that individuals are who they claim to be online.
The Potential of Government-Provided Services
According to the NIST report, if governments begin offering attribute validation services, it could lead to several important benefits:
1. Reduced Reliance on Commercial Data
By moving towards government-backed validation, organisations can reduce their dependence on potentially incomplete commercial datasets. This change could lead to more accurate and reliable identity verification processes.
2. Inclusion for All
Governments hold data on individuals who may not have comprehensive financial histories. This includes low-income citizens or those just starting to establish credit. By using government data, attribute validation can help these individuals access essential services and resources that might otherwise be out of reach.
3. Enhanced Security and Fraud Prevention
The rise of identity theft and synthetic identities makes it crucial for organisations to verify identities rigorously. By using government data, agencies can create a more secure environment that protects citizens from identity-related fraud.
Real-World Applications: The Role of Existing Services
Some government agencies already provide identity verification services. For example:
- The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers an Electronic Consent Based Social Security Number Verification service to help financial institutions confirm names, dates of birth, and social security numbers.
Despite its challenges, including cost recovery issues, this service shows that government agencies can play a vital role in identity verification.
The Path Forward: What Needs to Happen?
To realise the benefits outlined in the NIST report, several steps need to be taken:
1. Public Comment and Input
The draft guidance is currently open for comments until November 8. Public input is crucial for refining these proposals.
2. Collaborative Efforts
Government agencies must collaborate with one another and with the private sector to develop robust frameworks for attribute validation services.
3. Focus on User Privacy
It’s essential to ensure that while leveraging government data, user privacy is preserved. This balance will foster trust among citizens.
Conclusion: The Future of Identity Validation
The NIST report makes a compelling case for why governments are “particularly well-positioned” to offer identity validation services. By stepping up and leveraging the vast amounts of authoritative data they collect, governments can enhance security, promote inclusivity, and reduce reliance on incomplete commercial datasets.
As we navigate a world where identity verification is critical, it’s clear that government-provided attribute validation services could be a game-changer for everyone involved. Let’s hope that decision-makers take note and act accordingly.
