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techUK publishes roadmap for the successful implementation of mandatory Digital ID

15 October 20254 min read
techUK

[London, UK] 15 October 2025 – Following the UK Government’s recent announcement for mandatory digital ID (26 September), technology trade association techUK is today publishing a new report setting out a roadmap to ensure the successful and trusted implementation of a diverse digital ID ecosystem in the UK.

The government’s announcement has prompted widespread public debate, with many citizens expressing concerns about privacy, security, and civil liberty. Without the backing from the public, the government’s plans for mandatory digital ID will fail. This could have a direct impact on existing use cases that citizens are already choosing to use.

To address these challenges, techUK’s report, ‘Digital ID & the UK: Empowering Citizens, Enabling Growth’, calls for long-term collaboration between government, industry, and civil society to ensure digital ID policy is designed in a way that protects citizens, promotes innovation, and delivers real benefits for individuals and the economy.

The UK already has a thriving digital ID industry. Many companies, including techUK members Yoti, Select ID, and OneID, have successfully deployed digital ID solutions that help people and businesses run right to work, right to rent, and financial security checks. This is implemented through existing government policy, and backed in legislation, through the digital ID Trust Framework. These examples demonstrate that when privacy, security, and user experience are prioritised, digital ID can deliver real value for all. As such, we call on government not to start from scratch and build upon existing schemes that citizens are already using.

As government approaches this next difficult phase, techUK’s roadmap clearly states the three areas government should focus on to align policy with citizen need and industry expertise:

  • Clarity and consistency on digital ID policy in the UK  

  • Provide long-term clarity and consistency on digital ID policy 

  • International alignment and UK leadership  

  • Action to drive forward digital ID adoption 

  • An industry-backed roadmap for private sector digital ID services 

  • Clarity and mutual recognition between public sector GOV.UK Wallet, and private sector use cases 

  • Successfully embed digital IDs across government  

  • Enable sector-specific regulation that opens market access

  • A bold plan to build confidence 

  • Build a Trust Framework fit for purpose 

  • Awareness campaigns for digital ID benefits across the general population 

This report underscores strong support for government–industry collaboration, with citizen needs at the centre. Support must translate into tangible actions and progress, with a clear roadmap in terms of use cases which offer use cases for the consumer.  

Laura Foster, Associate Director for Tech and Innovation at techUK said:

“This is an important moment for digital identity in the UK. We have an opportunity to create a world-leading system that protects privacy, boosts innovation, and works for everyone.”

“The UK already has the talent, the technology, and the experience to deliver a trusted digital ID system, but public trust must be at the heart of implementation. Government must not start from scratch and build upon existing schemes that citizens are already choosing to use. Government must work closely with industry and communicate with citizens every step of the way if it hopes for Digital ID to succeed in the long term.”

Tim Boeckmann, CEO, Vidos said:

"The UK digital identity market needs one thing above all: clear, sustained commitment from government. When businesses understand the roadmap with concrete timelines, defined use cases, and steady support for the Trust Framework, they invest and innovate. Clarity unlocks growth; commitment sustains it. This is entirely within government's control"

Adrian Field, Director Market Development, OneID said:

“The UK needs a digital ID roadmap that sets a clear direction of travel that is actionable and measurable. A roadmap that defines what the government will deliver at the centre; things that only the government can do, and how the private sector can innovate and enable economic growth and efficiency on top.

“The government can help to inform businesses on what to expect and guide citizens on what services to trust. Digital ID can deliver growth, reduce fraud, accelerate business processes and digital transformation. It's time for the UK to play to its strengths and become a world leader in this field, building on the progress already made through existing legislation and the digital ID sector.”

Robin Tombs, CEO, Yoti said :

“This report underlines just how vital digital identity has become to the UK’s economy and society. A citizen-focused, multi-sector approach - where government and identity providers certified to the UK Government Digital Identity & Attributes Trust Framework (DIATF) work hand in hand - is key to building the trust and adoption the UK needs to stay globally competitive. The UK can show leadership in responsible digital identity innovation. What we need now is policy certainty and collaboration to unlock even greater inclusion, economic value, and user confidence.”

Lorraine Salmond, Head of Identity Strategy UK & Ireland for LexisNexis Risk Solutions, said:

“techUK’s report makes compelling recommendations on how to build upon the progress made with the Government's Digital Identity & Attributes Trust Framework and the public/private sector collaboration it enables. At LexisNexis Risk Solutions, we look forward to engaging with the Government’s forthcoming digital ID consultation to support the creation of a thriving digital identity ecosystem. techUK's recommendations provide a valuable framework for maximising the benefits of this crucial opportunity for digital ID and for the UK as a whole.”

Notes to Editors

The report can be downloaded here.