*Please note that these thought leadership pieces represent the views of the contributing companies and do not necessarily reflect techUK’s own position.
Identity runs through everything we do. It is there when we open a bank account, buy a home, see a doctor, or sign an important document. These days, more often than not, those moments happen online.
That is why digital identity matters. It is not an abstract concept reserved for policymakers or technologists. It is already part of daily life, reshaping the relationship between people, services, and institutions. And yet the UK still lacks a single, unified vision.
We see the same pattern across digital tools. New technology only becomes mainstream when people trust it. With eSignatures, it is not just the speed that matters, but the confidence that the process is secure, compliant, and verifiable. Digital identity at a national scale will work in the same way: adoption will follow trust.
So what does “good” look like in the next five to ten years? From our perspective, it comes down to five principles.
1. Good means trusted
David de la Peña, Chief Operating Officer at Signable: “It begins with confidence. You can have the smartest technology, but if people do not trust how their data is handled, they will walk away. Digital identity is no different.”
Karen Velasquez, Head of Product at Signable: “When we design products, trust isn’t something vague. It’s built into every step. It’s in how we explain things clearly, how we deal with mistakes, and how we make sure people feel in control. For digital identity to really work on a national level, the same approach is needed. Yes, strong governance and oversight are vital, but so is simple, everyday communication that helps people feel confident using it.”
Trust must sit at the very foundation of the UK’s approach. The government has a central role to play in setting transparent governance frameworks, establishing independent oversight, and ensuring consistent communication with citizens.
2. Good means inclusive
Karen: “Going digital on its own isn’t the full answer. For some people, it can still be a barrier. If we don’t include paper or assisted options from the start, whole groups risk being left out, and that isn’t real success. True progress means designing for everyone, not just those who are already comfortable with technology. Accessibility and inclusion have to be built in. Success will be when every person feels able to use it with confidence.”
Inclusion is not only a social good; it is a practical necessity. Excluding people forces organisations to run duplicate systems, adding cost and complexity. A good system is digital by default, with clear pathways for those who need alternatives.
David: “Inclusion is what turns technology from an efficiency project into an economic one. If everyone can participate, confidence spreads and adoption grows”
For policymakers, that means designing standards that mandate accessible routes, so digital identity strengthens the economy rather than deepening divides.
3. Good means enabling growth
David: “Too often, digital identity is seen as nothing more than a compliance headache. In reality, it could be one of the biggest drivers of growth this decade. A consistent national roadmap would cut through that friction, letting companies move faster and focus on what really matters: building new products and scaling their businesses.”
Karen: “For smaller SaaS firms, compliance can feel overwhelming. A national roadmap would change that. It would give startups the same foundations as bigger firms, allowing them to compete on creativity and execution rather than being held back by process. That’s how we unlock the next wave of innovation.”
For industry, good means clear standards that cut friction. For the government, it means recognising digital identity as a driver of competitiveness, not just risk.
4. Good means globally competitive
Other countries are already showing us what is possible.
David: “Estonia shows what’s possible when digital identity is treated as a fundamental enabler. For over twenty years, people there have used trusted Digital IDs to pay taxes, vote, collect prescriptions, sign contracts, even start a business. The impact has been huge, with billions of digital signatures and major efficiency savings.
The UK has its own scale and challenges, but the principle is the same. If we build trust, invest in digital literacy, and make identity seamless, the benefits will multiply”
If the UK wants to remain a leader in SaaS, fintech, and digital services, it must aim higher. A fragmented approach risks slowing adoption and discouraging investment. By treating digital identity as core infrastructure, as fundamental to the economy as broadband or payments, the UK can both support domestic innovation and shape international standards.
5. Good means forward-looking
The debate around digital identity in the UK has taken a decisive turn. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans for a UK-wide digital ID - dubbed the “BritCard” - that could be used across employment, housing, and public services, which means identity verification is going to be more consistent.
From a technical perspective a number of key questions remain, we envision that the BritCard would be designed as a verifiable digital credential stored on a smartphone, which can be checked instantly through a verifier app. It would be issued free of charge to everyone with the right to live or work in the UK, creating a universal foundation. Similar models exist in countries like Estonia, which could offer useful lessons.
As with any digital identity model, the focus should be on how it evolves, adapts, and earns public trust over time. What matters is striking the right balance between innovation and reassurance for the people who use it.
Looking ahead
The opportunity is clear, but the real question is how we choose to approach it. Some of the choices ahead include:
Will digital identity be treated as infrastructure, as fundamental to the economy as roads, broadband, or payments?
Will it level the playing field, creating opportunities for small businesses and startups as much as for established players?
Will it be designed with people at its centre, balancing innovation with transparency, reassurance, and inclusion?
David: “This is not about technology for the sake of it. It is about creating the conditions for a stronger economy. If we get this right, digital identity can become the backbone of a trusted, inclusive and competitive United Kingdom for the decade ahead.”
If handled well, digital identity could sit at the centre of the UK’s industrial strategy. However, If mishandled, it risks eroding confidence and holding back innovation. Government, industry, and society must now come together to build a system that earns trust, supports growth, and secures the UK’s place as a leader in the digital age.
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.
techUK's Digital ID Summit 2025
Join us on 13 October 2025 for techUK’s Digital ID Summit — a key event bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to shape the future of digital identity in the UK. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation driving trust, security, and innovation.
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.
