If digital identity solutions become more widespread, what are the impacts this could have on marginalised groups? What further interventions could be implemented to improve access for these groups?
Background
In order to ensure the UK is well protected now and in the future we need to build upon our existing knowledge of cyber security risks and the resilience of software supply chains and are working to identify which mitigations the government can leverage to ensure the UK is well protected now and in the future.
We’re also assessing the impact of these mitigations in driving enhanced security measures. A key area of research interest therefore is understanding the consequences of requiring higher levels of cybersecurity for products and digital services sold in the UK. Strengthening this evidence base will help shape and inform future policy work around the regulation of products and business requirements for cyber security.
Some technologies are critical to cyberspace. To build and sustain competitive edge in cyber-related technologies we need a coordinated, rigorous and consistent approach to identify and analyse critical areas of science and technology and prioritise national effort. CSDI is interested inbeing able to better anticipate the science and technology developments most vital to UK cyber power and in analysing thebe opportunities and risks related to those developments.
It is crucial to ensure that digital identity solutions are both secure and inclusive. The directorate seeks to gather further evidence on how best to enable more inclusive digital identity services whilst maintaining robust security measures. Digital identity solutions enable a person to prove something about themselves for the purposes of a transaction, an eligibility check or accessing services. This includes verifying a person’s age when purchasing age regulated products, when undertaking pre-employment checks or opening a bank account. The government is not mandating specific approach, but instead has committed to setting outcomes-based standards in the form of the UK digital identity & attributes trust framework. (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-digital-identity-and-attributes-trust-frameworkbeta-version/uk-digital-identity-and-attributes-trust-framework-beta-version)
Organisations that adhere to these standards and agree to oversight from the Office for Digital Identities and Attributes (OfDIA) will receive a trust mark, so that businesses and individuals can be confident that their digital identity solution is safe and secure.
Next steps
If you are keen to register your interest in working and connecting with DSIT Digital Technology and Telecoms Group and/or submitting evidence, then please complete the DSIT-ARI Evidence survey - https://dsit.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cDfmK2OukVAnirs.
Please view full details: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-for-science-innovation-and-technology-areas-of-research-interest/dsit-areas-of-research-interest-2024
Source
This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:
Related UKRI funded projects
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Network of Excellence in Digital Identity Management
Digital Identity is the driver for the next generation of B2B and B2C transactions. To move the world of digital economy successfully to the next phase with Web 2.0 it is vital to have identity management solutions in pl...
Funded by: EPSRC
Why might this be relevant?
Partially relevant as it focuses on digital identity management but does not specifically address impacts on marginalized groups or interventions.
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SPRITE+: The Security, Privacy, Identity, and Trust Engagement NetworkPlus
SPRITE+ is a NetworkPlus that will deliver a step change in engagement between people involved in research, practice, and policy relevant to trust, identity, privacy, and security (TIPS) with a focus on digital contexts....
Funded by: EPSRC
Why might this be relevant?
Partially relevant as it addresses security, privacy, identity, and trust in digital contexts, but does not specifically focus on impacts on marginalized groups or interventions.
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Federated Digital ID for the UK
The Federated Digital Identity for UK Consumers aims to be the prime means by which consumers securely identify themselves to UK private sector (initially financial services) and public organisations . It will enable con...
Funded by: Innovate UK
Why might this be relevant?
The project focuses on implementing a Federated Digital Identity for UK consumers, which directly addresses the question of digital identity solutions and their impacts on marginalised groups.