Ontario is seeking input from the public to help develop a forthcoming digital ID program. They’ve set up a webpage in which individuals and businesses can take a survey and provide comments and feedback on the technology.

In the increasingly digital world, a digital ID system saves users and the government both time and money. It also ensures that citizens are able to access government resources and services more easily. For individuals, a digital ID means you’re able to carry a digital identification on your phone when opening a bank account, applying for government benefits, maintaining vaccination records or registering for a birth, marriage, or death certificate. For businesses, a digital ID system helps streamline hiring, customer onboarding and loan application.

“We want to assure people that a digital ID will not only offer simpler and easier access to services, but it will be safe and secure, encrypted and harnessing the latest technology to protect your information and credentials,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, President of the Treasury Board, Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for Digital and Data Transformation. “As we develop this initiative, we want to hear directly from the people to ensure their priorities are reflected in this innovative, digital approach. No one has a monopoly on good ideas and we are prepared to listen.”

The government also hopes to combat fraud and protect user data, an increasing concern in the digital COVID-19 era. The issue is particularly salient as 70% of 335 Ontarian government services require some form of identification.

The survey will be open from February 2 until February 26. A successful digital ID rollout, one of 30 projects underway to facilitate citizen-government interaction, will cement Ontario as a leading jurisdiction in digital technologies. McKinsey Global Institute estimates that Ontario could gain as much as $25 billion in economic value from digital identity, further incentivizing the adoption of this new technology.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Lydia You is a computer scientist from Princeton University living in New York City. She is a Tech Innovation Fellow at Identity Review covering the intersection of global tech policy, internet culture and the future of digital media.

Contact Lydia You at lydia@identityreview.com.

Do you have information to share with Identity Review? Email us at press@identityreview.com.