Telstra, Australia’s leading telecommunications company, has implemented ConnectID, a digital identity verification service, for customers activating selected mobile services. The implementation is being conducted in partnership with Australian Payments Plus (AP+), representing a significant advancement in Australia’s broader push toward digital identity solutions.
The new system enables customers to verify their identity through trusted sources such as banks, eliminating the need to upload personal documents. The development arrives as Australia prepares for the launch of its national digital ID system in summer 2024. Since its introduction, tens of thousands of Telstra customers have used the service for mobile service activation.
ConnectID functions as a verification bridge between organizations requiring identity verification and trusted information sources. The service does not store or view the identity data itself, maintaining security throughout the verification process. All four major Australian banks—Commonwealth Bank, NAB, ANZ, and Westpac—are currently integrated with ConnectID, enabling millions of Australians to use their banking credentials for secure identity verification. The integration gains additional importance as major institutions like NAB move toward eliminating traditional passwords in favor of more secure authentication methods.
“In the digital economy there is a vital need to build trust between people and the organizations they interact with,” says Lynn Kraus, CEO of AP+. “When a major organization like Telstra enables customer verification without asking for documents to be uploaded, that’s a big step forward.”
“By simplifying the process and removing the need to collect and retain original ID documents, ConnectID is a more secure option, and another way we’re helping to protect our customers,” says Michael Griffiths, Executive Director of Operations at Telstra. The security enhancement comes as Australian authorities have been strengthening digital identity measures, particularly following significant cybersecurity incidents in the telecommunications sector.
Telstra and AP+ are currently exploring opportunities to expand ConnectID implementation across additional services. The platform has already seen successful adoption in other sectors, including property rental services. Andrew Black, Managing Director of ConnectID at AP+, emphasizes that support from major banks is crucial for enabling secure identity verification without excessive sharing of personal data.
Sources: Mirage News, iTWire, Biometric Update
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