eftpos is now the first private identity exchange to be accredited under the Trusted Digital Identity Framework (TDIF), allowing them to facilitate online transactions that require a digital identity for Australians.
The company’s connectID will be used to act as a “broker” between identity providers and merchants or other services that need to verify who they are dealing with or receive identity information that they can trust.
“As an accredited provider, eftpos has demonstrated that connectID is trustworthy, safe and secure and has met strict usability and accessibility requirements,” Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business Stuart Robert said.
“I congratulate eftpos for being the first private identity exchange to be accredited under the TDIF.”
Although eftpos is not currently seeking to operate as part of the Australian Government Digital Identity System, the connectID offers access to a potential network of Australian businesses through multiple digital identity providers.
“Digital identity systems, like eftpos’ connectID, provide opportunities for businesses, big and small, to engage with Australians and support the growth of our economy,” Minister Robert said.
Under the TDIF, organisations are mandated to meet requirements for strict privacy protections, security and fraud control, risk management and technical integrity. As such, eftpos will be required to continually undergo annual assessments to demonstrate their TDIF obligations.
These requirements will help ensure a nationally consistent approach to accrediting, governing, and operating digital identities in Australia.
Minister Robert said expanding the Australian Government’s Digital Identity System was a key step towards a leading digital economy.
“A thriving digital economy drives growth by enabling businesses to prosper, providing more job opportunities for Australians, and connecting us with emerging industries and technologies across the world,” he said.
“However, Australians and Australian businesses must have trust and confidence that the system and their personal information is safe and secure.”
The Australian Government’s Digital Identity Program, led by the Digital Transformation Agency, is delivered as part of the $800 million Digital Business Plan.
Once the Digital Identity legislation is passed by Parliament, it will establish permanent oversight and governance structures for the Australian Government’s Digital Identity System.
The legislation will add upon the safeguards that are already in place by providing the authority for a consistent set of rules that will protect Australians and Australian businesses.
The work achieved and the future opportunities from the legislation are critical parts of the Australian Government’s ambition for our nation to be a leading digital economy and society by 2030.
Source: Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business Media Release