What is The Digital Identity Legislation in The UK?

The UK is introducing legislation to create a publicly accessible register for digital verification services. This register will include certified providers that comply with the UK’s trust framework and additional codes, offering users assurance that these organisations have been independently assessed for their reliability and security. The legislation also grants the Secretary of State the authority to manage the register, which includes evaluating applications, approving or rejecting providers, and removing them when necessary to maintain a secure and trustworthy system.

In addition, the Data Bill will allow for the creation of a ‘trust mark’ that registered providers can display to highlight their compliance and distinguish their services in the marketplace. The legislation also paves the way for public authorities to share information with registered organisations, enabling them to conduct identity and eligibility checks, but only with the individual's consent.

Although the provisions are not yet law, they will be formally enacted after passing through Parliament and receiving Royal Assent. Once in place, these measures aim to strengthen the digital identity verification ecosystem, providing transparency, trust, and security to users and organisations.