Passwordless digital identity solution launched to Australia’s myGov platform

It is now possible to log on to Australia’s myGov platform using digital identity credential myGovID, which is expected to add face biometrics and liveness detection in 2021.

The feature was rolled out following a mid-year pilot and more than 1.7 million Australians have already created a myGovID digital identity, as per a report by iTnews.

Before the rollout, it was possible to access the myGov platform using a two-factor login authentication option, and the novelty means there are now also no major worries about forgetting one’s login password.

With the new feature, it is possible for users who have connected the two platforms to sign into myGov using either a one-time code in the myGovID app, or continue using a password.

The myGovID login credential, the report adds, can also be used to access a beta version of myGov which is being trialled with new features and services to replace the one currently in use.

MyGov is an ecosystem that allows Australians access to several government services online, and the recent addition of the digital ID feature to the login options is seen as a milestone in efforts by the country’s Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) in putting in place a more secure access system to the service.

According to the iTnews report, this development precedes plans by the DTA in adding a biometric liveness detection mechanism to myGovID so that it can allow people have access to more confidential government services.

The report states that a pilot for the liveness detection option is planned for September next year; and with it, an individual can have their identity verified by having selfie biometrics matched against an identity document held in a database. This will help prove that the person about logging onto myGov is a live person and is physically present, in a move that aims to stymie the creation of fraudulent digital IDs.

iTnews further reports that Australia plans to put in place a law that ensures privacy safeguards regarding the digital ID new scheme, and that a huge sum of money has been set aside for the development and upgrade of the myGov platform.

Article Topics

access management  |  Australia  |  biometric liveness detection  |  biometrics  |  credentials  |  digital identity  |  facial recognition  |  government services  |  online authentication