Digital identity in action: How Australia leads and how it compares globally
*Please note that these thought leadership pieces represent the views of the contributing companies and do not necessarily reflect techUK’s own position.
The Rise of Digital Identity
Digital identity is no longer a futuristic concept – it is the backbone of secure, seamless interactions in an increasingly digital world. Across the globe, governments and businesses are investing in systems that allow individuals to prove who they are quickly, safely, and with minimal friction. Australia has emerged as a leader in this space, setting a high standard for innovation and trust through its national and state-level initiatives.
Australian Federal Scheme
Australia’s Digital ID system consists of two interlinked parts:
Australian Government Digital ID System (AGDIS) which provides a central framework for citizens to verify their identity electronically. Initially it supports government services with private sector integration being added by late 2026. It includes a Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM) for authorizing users to act on behalf of businesses.
There is a voluntary Accreditation Scheme for Digital ID Providers for public and private sector providers to ensure high standards of privacy, security, accessibility, and usability. This is managed by the Digital ID Regulator, currently the ACCC, with legal oversight by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) for privacy matters.
The scheme also defines different proofing levels when it comes to verification which defines what ecosystem players can use and provide.
Standard (IP2/IP2+): Requires verification of two or more official IDs.
Strong (IP3): Adds biometric checks for high-risk transactions, like opening financial accounts or applying for tax file numbers
Within the Australian Digital ID framework, the system allows accredited Identity Service Providers (ISPs) like myGovID to link government-issued credentials, including state-issued mobile licenses, directly to a user’s digital identity profile. These licenses are:
Verified against issuing authorities (e.g., state transport or licensing agencies) digitally.
Checked for authenticity without sending physical copies.
Updated automatically in some cases when users renew, change address, or modify details with the issuing agency, depending on state cooperation.
The use of a mobile app ensures credentials are readily available for online or in-person identification, and biometric verification can be added for stronger proofing levels (IP3). This setup reduces the need to carry physical documentation and improves convenience while maintaining strong safeguards for privacy and security.
Queensland’s Digital License: A Case Study in Success
One of the most compelling examples of this progress is Queensland’s Digital License app. Since its statewide launch in late 2023, the wallet app has attracted more than a million users or 25% of Queensland’s population, a testament to its usability and the appetite for digital solutions. The wallet has been used for over one and a half million credentials comprising of driving licenses, marine recreational licenses and proof of age card. Built to comply with international standards such as ISO/IEC 18013-5, the app ensures interoperability with future global systems while maintaining a strong focus on security and privacy.
What makes the Queensland model stand out is its user-centric design. Rather than forcing individuals to share all their personal details, the app allows selective disclosure – so if you only need to prove your age, you can do so without revealing your address or license number. This method, which integrates biometric authentication and a strong data protection strategy, provides the highest possible level of security.
Why It Matters for Individuals and Businesses
For individuals, the benefits are immediate and tangible. No more fumbling for a physical wallet or worrying about losing your license. Updates happen in real time, and the ability to control what information you share gives users a sense of empowerment and privacy that traditional IDs lack.
Government and businesses, too, are reaping the rewards. Digital identity verification reduces onboarding times, cuts down on paperwork, and lowers the risk of fraud. Retailers, hospitality venues, and financial institutions can verify customers quickly and securely, creating a smoother experience while reducing operational costs. Government agencies can communicate directly with citizens resulting in increased efficiency – for example more prompt payments. In short, digital identity is not just a convenience – it’s a competitive advantage as well as a driver of organisational efficiency.
How Does Australia Compare Globally?
While Australia has taken a pragmatic, state-and-federal approach, other regions are charting their own paths. In the European Union, the Digital Identity Wallet initiative under the eIDAS 2.0 regulation aims to create a single, interoperable identity solution across all member states. This ambitious project focuses on cross-border functionality, enabling citizens to use one digital identity for everything from banking to healthcare across the EU. Full rollout is expected by 2026, but pilot programs are already underway.
With the recent announcement by Prime Minister Keir Starmer that a mandatory digital ID will become a legal requirement for proving the right to work by the end of this Parliament, things have radically altered in the UK. Unlike previous voluntary schemes, this initiative – dubbed the “Brit Card” – will be free of charge, app-based, and integrated into the GOV.UK One Login infrastructure. For those without smartphones, physical alternatives will be available. The government argues this will curb illegal working, reduce fraud, and modernize access to services such as driving licenses and welfare.
The key difference lies in flexibility. Australia’s model emphasizes practical deployment and optional user adoption, while the EU concentrates on regulatory-driven interoperability, whereas the UK focuses on government service consolidation and reducing illegal migration through compulsory measures for the right to work. Each approach reflects regional priorities, but Australia’s emphasis on privacy, security, and real-world usability has positioned it as a global reference point.
Looking Ahead
Digital identity is more than a technological upgrade – it is an enabler of trust and innovation. In fact, trust in the Australian government has increased by over 5% since 2024 according to research done for the Thales Digital Trust Index 2025 so digital identity would appear to have helped increase trust and not diminish it. For businesses, it opens doors to new service models and operational efficiencies. For individuals, it offers security, convenience, and control in a world where digital interactions are the norm. As adoption accelerates, the question is no longer whether digital identity will become mainstream, but how quickly organisations and individuals will embrace it.
Author
John Cullen
Strategic Marketing Director Digital Identity and Cybersecurity, Thales
Digital Identity programme activities
Digital identities will provide a gateway for citizens and SMEs into the digital economy. techUK members demonstrate the benefits of digital identity to emerging markets, raise their profile as thought leaders, influence policy outcomes, and strengthen their relationships with potential clients and decision-makers. Visit the programme page here.
Digital ID campaign week 2025! 🔐
Recap on key insights shared during Digital ID Campaign Week.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Sue leads techUK's Technology and Innovation work.
This includes work programmes on cloud, data protection, data analytics, AI, digital ethics, Digital Identity and Internet of Things as well as emerging and transformative technologies and innovation policy.
In 2025, Sue was honoured with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the Technology Industry in the New Year Honours List.
She has been recognised as one of the most influential people in UK tech by Computer Weekly's UKtech50 Longlist and in 2021 was inducted into the Computer Weekly Most Influential Women in UK Tech Hall of Fame.
A key influencer in driving forward the data agenda in the UK, Sue was co-chair of the UK government's National Data Strategy Forum until July 2024. As well as being recognised in the UK's Big Data 100 and the Global Top 100 Data Visionaries for 2020 Sue has also been shortlisted for the Milton Keynes Women Leaders Awards and was a judge for the Loebner Prize in AI. In addition to being a regular industry speaker on issues including AI ethics, data protection and cyber security, Sue was recently a judge for the UK Tech 50 and is a regular judge of the annual UK Cloud Awards.
Prior to joining techUK in January 2015 Sue was responsible for Symantec's Government Relations in the UK and Ireland. She has spoken at events including the UK-China Internet Forum in Beijing, UN IGF and European RSA on issues ranging from data usage and privacy, cloud computing and online child safety. Before joining Symantec, Sue was senior policy advisor at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Sue has an BA degree on History and American Studies from Leeds University and a Masters Degree on International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Birmingham. Sue is a keen sportswoman and in 2016 achieved a lifelong ambition to swim the English Channel.
Associate Director - Technology and Innovation, techUK
Laura Foster
Associate Director - Technology and Innovation, techUK
Laura is techUK’s Associate Director for Technology and Innovation.
Laura advocates for better emerging technology policy in the UK, including quantum, future of compute technologies, semiconductors, digital ID and more. Working alongside techUK members and UK Government she champions long-term, cohesive, and sustainable investment that will ensure the UK can commercialise future science and technology research. Laura leads a high-performing team at techUK, as well as publishing several reports on these topics herself, and being a regular speaker at events.
Before joining techUK, Laura worked internationally as a conference researcher and producer exploring adoption of emerging technologies. This included being part of the team at London Tech Week.
Laura has a degree in History (BA Hons) from Durham University and is a Cambridge Policy Fellow. Outside of work she loves reading, writing and supporting rugby team St. Helens, where she is from.
Elis joined techUK in December 2023 as a Programme Manager for Tech and Innovation, focusing on Semiconductors and Digital ID.
He previously worked at an advocacy group for tech startups, with a regional focus on Wales. This involved policy research on innovation, skills and access to finance.
Elis has a Degree in History, and a Masters in Politics and International Relations from the University of Winchester, with a focus on the digitalisation and gamification of armed conflicts.
