Minister for NDIS Reveals Innovative Digital ID Verification System
NDIS Minister Bill Shorten announced the launch of a new digital ID verification system known as Trust Exchange (TEx), which aims to provide Australians with control over their data. Shorten highlighted the collaboration between his department and the Finance and Treasury Departments to develop this groundbreaking project during his speech at the National Press Club of Australia on Aug. 13.
Unlike the existing digital ID promoted by the Labor government, TEx will enhance the current system by leveraging previous investments and consultations. Shorten clarified that TEx is not a wallet, app, or ID, but a secure platform for exchanging identity information with third parties.
Utilizing myGov and myGov ID, TEx aims to enhance the security and trustworthiness of personal data sharing. Shorten emphasized three key benefits of TEx – choice, consent, and trust – empowering users to control the information shared and validating its authenticity through robust privacy and security measures.
Shorten illustrated how TEx could verify an individual’s identity without disclosing personal information. For instance, customers at venues like pubs or hotels can discreetly prove their age or identity using TEx, minimizing the risk of exposing sensitive data to cybercriminals.
The implementation of TEx is currently in the proof of concept phase, with plans to expand its capabilities by January 2025. Despite concerns raised by some politicians about digital ID posing threats to privacy and democracy, Shorten emphasized the value of TEx in enhancing data protection and reducing potential risks associated with centralized ID systems.
