The Federal Government has introduced a new digital verification tool that will allow businesses to establish proof of identity using a government-issued QR code.
Known as the ‘Trust Exchange’, or ‘TEx’, it connects a business with a user’s MyGov Wallet or digital ID, giving Australians the ability to verify their identity and credentials without handing over superfluous personal information.
TEx was announced by Minister for Government Services and NDIS Bill Shorten at the National Press Club.
“Services Australia is partnering with other government systems to develop Tex, which would give Australians the ability to verify their identity and credentials based on official information already held by the Australian Government.
“That means sharing only the personal information to get the job done, and in some cases, not handing over any personal information at all.”
Asked to prove their identity, a person would hold their phone up to or tap the QR code, which digitally ‘shakes hands’ with the person’s myGov wallet, then allows the person to choose what information to share, leaving them with a record in their account of what was shared, and who got it.
A digital token is then sent to the business, as a ‘thumbs up’ from the Government, vouching for the person’s identity and age.
It’s suggested TEx could be used in many situations, such as for job applications, bookings, or entry into a pub or club, with a patron able to use the QR code to verify identity, address and age.
“None of that information needs to be kept,” added Shorten.
What remains is a token establishing that the data has been verified, but not held by the venue or business. These tokens don’t contain any real information, so will be of no use to potential criminals.
The system delivers three benefits:
- Consent: you consent every time your information is shared
- Choice: you choose what information is shared, by whom, and to whom
- Trust: the information shared is trusted because the system imposes rigorous privacy and security standards to validate its authenticity
Development of TEx has involved departments including the Minister for the Public Service, Senator Katy Gallagher, and Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones.
It is currently in the proof-of-concept stage, slated to begin a pilot phase in early 2025.
