The start of Privacy Week (1 to 7 May 2023) highlights the significance of safeguarding peoples’ online presence and returning control of information sharing to individuals. This objective has prompted the integration of top-notch privacy and security measures in all digital services offered by the NSW Government.
In the past year, there has been a surge in cyber-attacks that have compromised the personal information of individuals throughout the state. This has occurred because companies store physical documents in a manner that has made them susceptible to identity theft. The consequences of these attacks have affected millions of individuals throughout the state, with an estimated annual cost of AU$ 42 billion attributed to cyber-attacks.
In 2022, ID Support NSW had to replace over 50,000 physical documents following cyber incidents and natural disasters. This occurrence has underscored the urgency for a digitally secure version of personal information, which has become a top priority for the NSW Government.
The NSW Digital ID (Beta) is currently undergoing testing, with all pilot trials receiving a customer satisfaction rate of over 90%. This Digital ID aims to prevent the excessive sharing of personal data by enabling individuals to manage when and how their information is shared.
Individuals will only need to verify their identity once to establish their NSW Digital ID, granting them the ability to manage what information is disclosed to other government entities and private enterprises. For instance, individuals can confirm their age without revealing personal details, such as their date of birth or street address, which would be present on a physical driver’s license.
The NSW Digital ID and Digital Wallet will enable individuals to store their personal information securely and manage access to their verifiable credentials in real-time. While the Digital ID will be optional for NSW residents, it will only be made available after undergoing rigorous testing, audits, and reviews to ensure that information is kept safe and secure.
The region’s Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government stated that the NSW Government recognises the importance of digital privacy and security in today’s world. The introduction of the Digital ID will enable individuals to control their personal information and privacy online.
He noted that the NSW Government is committed to offering proactive measures to safeguard personal information and ensure its security. All digital services provided by the government will undergo rigorous testing to instil confidence in the community that their private information is safe and secure.
According to recent market research, the global digital identity solutions market was valued at US$ 23.40 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16.8% during the forecast period (2022-2030). This growth can be attributed to the rise in identity-related frauds and data breaches and the need to comply with upcoming regulations.
Furthermore, the increasing investments in digital transformation have also contributed to the growing acceptance of digital identity solutions as they help secure identification and improve security. The industry is expected to experience growth due to these factors. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), 40% of all technology spending is allocated to digital transformations each year, which may lead to a corresponding increase in the digital identity solutions market during the forecast period.
