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The Australian government has today (30 November) announced the new legislation that will outline the development of a new Digital ID System in an effort to make online ID verification more safe and secure for Australians.
The proposed system will grant Aussies a way to verify their ID without having to upload photos of significant personal documents, such as birth certificates and passports.
“Improving safety online is a priority for us, and legislation will ensure strong independent oversight is in place to support the expansion of the Australian government Digital ID System from mid-2024,” said Minister for Finance, Senator Katy Gallagher.
“We’ve spoken with business, community and privacy groups to ensure the bill will deliver the privacy safeguards, accreditation options and consumer safeguards they expect.”
The Digital ID bill outlines the framework needed to create the system nationwide and economy-wide. As part of the bill, the government has assigned $145.5 million to fund the development and implementation of the system, which will be spent over four years.
The first $60.7 million will be given to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to fund “interim regulatory functions” for 2.5 years starting 1 July 2024.
$56 million will be given to the Attorney-General’s Department “for the continued operation of the Identity Matching Services”, according to a media release by Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus. On top of this, an additional $3.3 million will go towards enhancing the Credential Protection Register to allow for the government to better respond to data breaches and mitigate the damages faced by victims of identity crime.
There will also be funding for “key priorities”, including ICT updates to myGovID, improving Digital ID awareness, supporting the OAIC and more.
Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones added that he believes the Digital ID is key in protecting the financial and personal information of Australians.
“Whether it’s thwarting a scammer who is pretending to be your bank or securing your online tax accounts so criminals cannot access it,” said Jones.
“Digital ID will help secure Australians money and their information.”
For more information, head to the Attorney-General’s website.
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