Legislators in the United States are advocating for federal involvement in developing digital identity ecosystems as states increasingly adopt mobile driver’s licenses and other digital forms of identification. The Improving Digital Identity Act, led by Representative Bill Foster (D-Ill.), seeks to formalize the government’s role in setting standards and promoting the use of digital identity credentials. The bill proposes creating a task force within the Executive Office of the President to enhance access and security between physical and digital IDs, focusing on advancing digital versions of existing credentials. If enacted, the initiative aims to provide a foundation for more secure online interactions, reducing the risk of fraud and identity theft.
Representative Foster has also collaborated with Representative Clay Higgins (R-La.) to introduce complementary legislation regarding the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) use of digital identity technology. This proposal, which has passed committee review and awaits a full House vote, would require the TSA to report on the implications of digital IDs for homeland security.
In an interview with NextGov/FCW, Foster emphasized the importance of establishing a federal digital ID standard to offer an additional authentication layer for online transactions. He highlighted the growing threats of deepfake technologies and cyber fraud, suggesting that providing individuals with the means to verify their identities is a critical step in combating these issues. Financial institutions have shown strong support for the bill, seeking a standardized method to meet Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. Foster pointed to the significant financial losses due to COVID-related fraud as evidence of the need for secure digital credentials.
A recent report from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) supports the bill’s objectives, indicating that a federal framework could encourage broader adoption and improve interoperability between states. The proposed legislation avoids mandating a single federal identity credential, instead allowing states the flexibility to implement their own solutions.
Despite bipartisan support, the progress of the Improving Digital Identity Act has been gradual. Similar legislation introduced by Senators Krysten Sinema (D-Ariz.) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) has faced delays. Nonetheless, Foster remains hopeful that the legislation will be included in the recommendations of the House AI Task Force, especially as states continue to adopt mobile IDs.
Source: NextGov/FCW
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October 3, 2024 – by the Mobile ID World Editorial Team
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