Digital Identity Checks – What are they? And what impact will they have?

As of April 2022, the Disclosure and Barring Service has announced that they will be incorporating Digital Identity Checks into their services as part of a wider introduction of digital identity across all government services.

These Digital Identity Checks will allow people to:

• confirm their identity online
• prove their right to work
• apply online for DBS checks

along with so much more!

What is a Digital Identity?

A Digital identity is the information that is available about a person online. Unlike a physical ID such as a passport or a driver’s license, someone’s Digital Identity includes things such as location information, purchasing pattens, PIN’s and biometric data. A Digital Identity connects the person to their online digital profile.

Digital Identity may seem like a complicated concept, but it is simply a way for a person to confirm and share their information using digital technology. Digital Identity is something that can be used in person or online, allowing someone to prove who they. For example, rather than showing a physical document, a digital identity allows you to prove who you are by submitting your information digitally.

What are Digital Identity checks and how will they work?

Digital Identity Checks are a digital way to verify a person’s identity. Instead of requesting physical documents and checking them manually. It is going to be a useful service for those such as employers and landlords, as the digital checks streamline the process of pre-employment checks, right to work checks, DBS checks, ID checks and so much more.

With Digital Identity Checks being introduced, it allows for a straightforward interaction between government services, business owners, landlords and the people whose identity is being checked.

The advantages to using Digital Identity Checks over manual checks are:

• Time: A person who needs their Digital Identity checked can upload and verify their documents in digitally, streamlining the process and saving time.

• Quality: As a Digital Identity Check will scan the biometric data on a document, it will make it more reliable than a physical check, therefore improving the quality of the checks.

• Reliability: A Digital Identity Check removes the risk of human error as this check will always check against a set of specific requirements each time.

• Safety: Digital Identity Checks also provide protection against fraud.

What impact will they have?

The UK currently is behind many other countries in using Digital ID and Digital Identity Checks. For instance, the citizens of Estonia can access 98% of government services view their digital ID, it is even possible for them to vote using their digital ID!

For the UK in the future to thrive in the digital era, the introduction of the Digital Identity Checks is a step in the right direction. As the world and society continues to move more digital and with more people than ever working remotely along with digital being part of our lives in so many other ways already, the use of using physical documents to prove your identity is quickly becoming obsolete.

Also, according to research, people now prefer physical biometrics and online solutions for their online security and protection against fraud. The introduction of Digital Identity Checks streamlines this and makes the identity check process seamless and effortless.

Want to know more?

We understand that for many organisations, ID checking can be a labour-intensive process. Whether it’s for DBS checks, right to work checks or identity confirmation, Digital Identity Checks significantly streamline the process for employers and employees. With much quicker turnaround time, Digital Identity checks save organisations time and money.

Do you have any questions about Digital Identity Checks? Give us a call on 01443 799900 or email us at info@cbscreening.co.uk; we are happy to help in any way we can!