Canadians expect government, private sector to develop digital ID framework

Some 70 percent of Canadians would adopt digital identity and think the government should join forces with the private sector to implement a Digital ID framework for better access to government benefits, healthcare, e-commerce, and financial services, found a survey conducted by non-profit Digital ID and Authentication Council of Canada (DIACC).

Digital ID could ensure extra security for financial transactions, as Canadians spend one third of their time online including for shopping purposes. They already use Digital ID for online authentication with government agencies (76 percent), financial institutions (75 percent), healthcare providers (74 percent), credit cards (66 percent), Telecomm (63 percent), and eCommerce (63 percent), and 68 percent of respondents said they shared their personal details out of convenience.

As many as 80 percent of respondents have secured their personal information online through actions such as deleting cookies and unsubscribing from emails, but Canadians are worried about the safety of their personal information when handled by social media networks. Higher levels of trust in data security are in government institutions (83 percent) and financial institutions (81 percent).

“Digital ID has far-reaching impacts for all Canadians, and we are thrilled that Canadians see the value in this and are eager to see governments and the private sector working together to achieve this,” said DIACC President Joni Brennan. “A Pan-Canadian Digital Identity strategy – founded in collaboration, openness, and trust – will help to grow the economy, enhance security, simplify transactions, and drive greater inclusion.”

In October, France announced it will use face biometrics for enrollment into its new national digital ID program as of November.

In other related news, Accenture announced this summer that it was soon launching the biometrics and blockchain-based “Known Traveler Digital Identity” service, after signing a formal agreement with Canada and the Netherlands. The service allows travelers to provide their biometric data with authorities at various points in the passenger journey.

Article Topics

banking  |  biometrics  |  Canada  |  data protection  |  digital identity  |  ecommerce  |  government services  |  healthcare  |  secure transactions