After months of confusion, the UK digital identity sector can now move forward. Technology secretary Peter Kyle laid out the private sector’s role in his recent blog about the Gov.uk Wallet. Now, we need collaboration between government and industry—and we need to kick things off immediately.
Most people in the UK still don’t fully grasp the implications of digital identity and smart data, especially with the Data (Use & Access) Bill coming up. While digital ID might not grab headlines like artificial intelligence, its impact can be just as significant.
I got a firsthand look at reusable digital identity during a recent trip to Singapore. My daughter, who lives there, experienced a minor traffic accident. The claims process? She simply uploaded dashcam footage and used her SingPass, the national digital wallet. No paperwork, no lengthy calls. It was quick, secure, and a far cry from the slow, manual processes we have in the UK.
The real takeaway? The user experience is just the tip of the iceberg. The huge boost in productivity comes from transforming back-office operations. We’ve spent decades chasing efficiency with approaches like Six Sigma. But in a world of personal data sovereignty, those efficiencies aren’t just operational—they’re part of the data layer itself.
New organizations using smart data and digital identity will be more agile than older systems with fragmented customer databases. Many of the administrative hassles we suffer today will disappear in this new framework.
This isn’t just a future vision; it’s already happening. Nearly three billion people worldwide are using digital identity systems to improve access and security. If the UK wants to modernize, we can’t afford to miss this wave.
But for real change, we need more than technology—we need a movement.
Consider using a mobile driving license to buy alcohol. For this to work effectively, point-of-sale systems have to integrate smoothly without adding costs. Local authorities need to verify that the right controls exist, both online and offline.
Engineers can tackle technical problems, but changing human behavior? That’s much tougher. Implementing reusable identity and sovereign data ownership is political, messy, and uncertain. So far, the focus has been on aligning legal frameworks. But what truly matters is social identity—the sense of who we are. As this tech rolls out, we need to pay attention to that.
Here are some points we should consider for broad adoption across the economy:
Unblocking Regulatory Resistance
Right now, the biggest hurdle is regulatory alignment. Without a unified framework, compliance teams will play it safe, stifling innovation. But if the rules change, compliance can shift from gatekeeper to enabler, working alongside tech teams to unlock new business value. We need regulation, compliance, and technology all moving in sync toward a shared vision of digital identity that fosters economic growth and trust.
Making Digital Inclusion a Priority
While we align regulations, we must also recognize that not everyone is starting from the same position. Millions lack access, skills, or trust. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about being excluded from essential services. We see this in supermarkets offering discounts only to loyalty card users, unintentionally widening inequality.
Implementing digital identity must prioritize inclusion. If more benefits hinge on having a digital profile, we risk creating a two-tier society. Regulation must allow for offline onboarding and community support to help those at the margins bridge into the digital world.
Providing Real Consumer Choice
Identity reflects who we are. If the government is the only identity provider, we risk repeating past injustices. Currently, citizens effectively face a two-wallet system—one for government services and another for everything else.
People are more likely to embrace change when it gives them freedom. Government needs to pause and reevaluate its approach to digital identity adoption.
Developing a Roadmap for the Future
For organizations investing in this vision today, a national roadmap is vital. Transitioning to reusable digital identity isn’t just a tech upgrade; it’s about rethinking back-office workflows entirely. We need a roadmap that outlines adoption milestones, coordinates infrastructure investment, supports localized identity journeys, and promotes choice and portability.
We welcome collaboration from the Secretary of State for Innovation. If we succeed in the UK, we can rebuild the country, create economic growth, and empower citizens.
Now it’s time to turn this vision into reality.