Introduction
While on the digital identity topic from a generic perspective, I cannot help but digress to the Australian Government initiatives of myGov, myGovID and Digital ID (previously known as Digital Identity). There has been a significant confusion around the understanding of these different initiatives and associated solutions.
Overview
myGov
Front door to Australian Government Services. i.e. in simple language it means that instead of navigating to different applications like centrelink, Medicare, Australian Tax Office, Child support etc; The full list of government services that you can access via can be found (here)[https://my.gov.au/en/about#access-government-services]
myGov provides the following:
- Inbox (All linked service provider related messages can be centrally access via this myGov Inbox)
Digital ID
Australian Government Digital ID system is a "straightforward, safer way of verifying who you are online". It provides a "secure and convenient way" to access online services. The Digital ID system "safeguards your personal information and saves you time when you need to verify yourself online" The Digital ID system "brings together government and industry digital IDs that meet strong privacy and security standards"
My basic explanation The Digital ID is an Australian Government initiative, aimed at a user being able to authenticate, authorize or prove their eligibility to access an online service.
The Digital ID service providers have to comply with the Trusted Digital Identity Framework (TDIF).
"The accreditation framework and process ensures all identity providers meet strict rules and standards for usability, accessibility, privacy protection, security, risk management, fraud control and more."
myGovID
myGovID is an Australian Government solution, wherein a user interacts with a mobile application called "myGovID" and using this application, any person can setup their (identity aka digital identity). When setting up an identity in the myGovID mobile app, they can choose to provide different amounts of information, documentary evidence and biometric information to setup an identity with varying levels.
- Basic [only basic details, no verification]
- Standard [if identity documents provided and verified]
- Strong [if face verification completed]
This is required only during the identity setup. Subsequently, a user can access different services (for example, Centrelink or Medicare etc) and login via Digital Identity, using myGovID.
Depending on the level of strength of the identity, a user is allowed access to different services when authenticating/authorizing via digital identity.