How the UK Can Build a National Digital Identity Wallet: Global Case Studies to Guide the Way
Digital IDs are not new. Around the globe, countries have been developing and refining digital identity systems for decades. India’s Aadhaar has already processed a staggering 13.8 billion individual authentications; Estonia’s eID system has been a trusted part of everyday life for over twenty years; and Singapore’s Singpass connects millions of citizens to hundreds of public and private services. As the UK prepares to launch its own GOV.UK Wallet, it is adopting a position of learner and adapter, drawing crucial lessons from these global pioneers to guide its digital identity journey.
Estonia: eID - Foundations of a Digital Society
Estonia set the standard for digital identity. Launching “Tiger’s Leap” in 1996, Estonia invested early in digital literacy, infrastructure, and a secure eID scheme. Today, 99% of citizens hold an ID card: whether voting, opening a company, or managing prescriptions, the eID makes it possible.
Why did eID work in Estonia? It wasn’t technology alone; there was a strong government mandate, infrastructure and probably the most important, high digital literacy from its citizens. Having the most technologically advanced systems means nothing if a majority of users are unable to use them. “In Estonia great emphasis is placed on developing the digital skills of its inhabitants – programming, robotics and modern technologies are taught even in kindergartens.” Recent reports have shown that 87% of households have a computer, 91% of people use the internet regularly, and most towns and cities provide free Wi-Fi.
Above all, trust runs deep. Citizens can see who accesses their data and retain control, with strict security measures embedded in every transaction. This level of transparency, combined with a legally mandated universal system, builds confidence; a critical factor Estonia has mastered.
Can the UK offer that level of confidence? They will need to: scepticism runs deep after high-profile failures like Verify. In Estonia, success didn’t come from selling citizens empty promises, but from showing them, day after day, that the system was secure, reliable, and beneficial to all.
India: Aadhaar - Scale, Ambition, and Caution
No country has attempted what India set out to do with Aadhaar: over 1.39 billion digital identities and counting. In a nation of extraordinary size, Aadhaar has become a lifeline to public services, subsidies, and a modern banking system.
But scale brings scrutiny. Critics highlight the risks of centralising biometric data, including concerns over surveillance, privacy breaches, and service exclusion, particularly affecting marginalised groups whose biometrics may not always register reliably. India’s experience shines a light on issues of data privacy and surveillance.
“Apart from the questions on official data and evidence, India has been gripped by a post-implementation debate with the Supreme Court involving several critical rulings around issues of privacy, data security and the Aadhaar bill itself. Aadhaar tells a story of transformation but also deep trade-offs.”
If the UK wants scale, it should not forget that bigger isn’t always better unless privacy, inclusion and accountability come first. While the desire for wide adoption and integration with services like banking and welfare is strong, it must be balanced against user control, inclusion, and uncompromising data protection.
Singapore’s Singpass: Seamless, But Not Without Centralisation
If Estonia’s strength is breadth and India’s is scale, Singapore’s Singpass excels in convenience. In 2024, it boasts over 4.2 million users and gives instant access to an astonishing 2,700+ government and private services.From paying taxes to buying insurance, one app does it all. Yet the real brilliance is in the details: Singpass lets you pick which data to share with each provider, and their API approach means innovation can flourish far outside government circles.
Yet Singapore’s centralised approach isn’t without its detractors. Privacy advocates express concern over the concentration of data under government control, underscoring the need for transparency and checks to maintain public trust. It’s a reminder that convenience must never override fundamental rights and accountability.
The big lesson here? Convenience matters, but trust and accountability are equally essential.
Where the UK Stands: Poised to Leap or Linger?
The UK stands on the brink of a digital identity revolution, but success will depend on learning from the nuance and complexity evident in Estonia, India, and Singapore’s journeys. Estonia has shown that trust, transparency, and infrastructure matter far more than flashy features. Its citizens enjoy control and universal access because digital identity there is not a novelty; it’s foundational. India’s ambitious Aadhaar rollout, on the other hand, reveals the pitfalls of scale without airtight safeguards: the world’s largest identity platform is both a triumph of inclusion and, at times, a warning about privacy, exclusion, and data security. Singapore proves how seamless convenience can be engineered through technology and policy, but also highlights the growing importance of personal data control and the risks of over-centralisation.
The UK is on the threshold of change. The GOV.UK Wallet promises a modern, user-controlled way to carry official credentials; a single app for your veteran’s card, mobile driver’s licence, even tax records. Powered by the new GOV.UK One Login system, built with privacy and modularity in mind, could finally unlock seamless digital government.
If you’re interested in understanding how these lessons translate in practice or want to stay informed about progress and opportunities in UK digital identity, join us at the DigiGov Expo 2025, held on the 24 and 25 of September at ExCeL London. This is the UK’s leading public sector technology event, bringing together over 3,000 digital, data, and technology experts from across government, local authorities, and the wider public sector. Complimentary tickets are available for the public sector, register your pass today.
Strategic partners, Government Digital Service (GDS) and the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) will be onsite, sharing the latest updates on the GOV.UK Wallet and other digital identity initiatives. This event offers a chance for public sector leaders, tech innovators, and policymakers to:
Get hands-on insight into the progress of national digital identity programmes
Hear from key government figures and digital experts in sessions and panel discussions
Explore real-world case studies of digital transformation and learn how to apply lessons to their work
Network with peers, industry leaders, and solution providers driving innovation in the public sector
For anyone interested in the future of digital public services, this event is a must-attend.
Evelyn Woodland
Marketing Manager, GovNet
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.
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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.
She supports the application and expansion of emerging technologies, including Quantum Computing, High-Performance Computing, AR/VR/XR and Edge technologies, across the UK. As part of this, she works alongside techUK members and UK Government to champion long-term and sustainable innovation policy that will ensure the UK is a pioneer in science and technology
Before joining techUK, Laura worked internationally as a conference researcher and producer covering enterprise adoption of emerging technologies. This included being part of the strategic team at London Tech Week.
Laura has a degree in History (BA Hons) from Durham University, focussing on regional social history. Outside of work she loves reading, travelling and supporting rugby team St. Helens, where she is from.
Usman joined techUK in January 2024 as Programme Manager for Artificial Intelligence.
He leads techUK’s AI Adoption programme, supporting members of all sizes and sectors in adopting AI at scale. His work involves identifying barriers to adoption, exploring solutions, and helping to unlock AI’s transformative potential, particularly its benefits for people, the economy, society, and the planet. He is also committed to advancing the UK’s AI sector and ensuring the UK remains a global leader in AI by working closely with techUK members, the UK Government, regulators, and devolved and local authorities.
Since joining techUK, Usman has delivered a regular drumbeat of activity to engage members and advance techUK's AI programme. This has included two campaign weeks, the creation of the AI Adoption Hub (now the AI Hub), the AI Leader's Event Series, the Putting AI into Action webinar series and the Industrial AI sprint campaign.
Before joining techUK, Usman worked as a policy, regulatory and government/public affairs professional in the advertising sector. He has also worked in sales, marketing, and FinTech.
Usman holds an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), a GDL and LLB from BPP Law School, and a BA from Queen Mary University of London.
When he isn’t working, Usman enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He also has a keen interest in running, reading and travelling.
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.
Programme Manager - Digital Ethics and AI Safety, techUK
Tess Buckley
Programme Manager - Digital Ethics and AI Safety, techUK
A digital ethicist and musician, Tess holds a MA in AI and Philosophy, specialising in ableism in biotechnologies. Their professional journey includes working as an AI Ethics Analyst with a dataset on corporate digital responsibility, followed by supporting the development of a specialised model for sustainability disclosure requests. Currently at techUK as programme manager in digital ethics and AI safety, Tess focuses on demystifying and operationalising ethics through assurance mechanisms and standards. Their primary research interests encompass AI music systems, AI fluency, and technology created by and for differently abled individuals. Their overarching goal is to apply philosophical principles to make emerging technologies both explainable and ethical.
Outside of work Tess enjoys kickboxing, ballet, crochet and jazz music.
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