From the airport to the DMV, government employees are required to provide efficient and accurate services while also verifying identities at several touchpoints with the public. Despite this need, many agencies still rely on physical identification materials, such as driver’s licenses, passports and Social Security cards. As the demand for faster, modernized services grows, this outdated approach limits agencies’ ability to keep pace with mission demands.

However, since the implementation of smartphones and a federal push toward customer experience, agencies are adopting digital identity and biometrics solutions through initiatives like the General Service Administration’s Login.gov, and the Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration’s REAL ID.

A digital ID is a collection of data that represents an individual or entity in the digital world, often including information like usernames, passwords and personal details. Used for authentication and access control in various online services and systems, a digital ID serves as identity in the palm of a user’s hand. Through initiatives like Login.gov, users have just one account to log in to several federal websites, requiring them to remember fewer passwords, streamlining data integrity, and improving mission efficiency.

Biometrics and digital identity technology utilize unique biological traits, such as fingerprints, facial features and iris patterns, to verify who a person claims to be. By linking a physical identifier to digital credentials, there’s an additional level of assurance and security that traditional identity tools can’t compete with.

However, for biometric technology adoption to be successful, federal agencies must align standards for compliance and interoperability while also focusing on building and maintaining public trust.

Compliance and transparency 

As digital identity solutions are adopted, standards that govern the use and transparency of biometric data are not optional add-ons — they’re necessary at a foundational level.

Biometric security standards like the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s SP 800-63-4 Digital Identity Guidelines, ISO/IEC 19795 Series, GSA’s FICAM approach and the FIDO Alliance define how data should be collected, stored and secured to improve and maintain accuracy and privacy.

Integrating security and privacy into all identity tools and solutions is equally as vital as standards compliance. Building security and privacy into systems from the beginning helps improve public trust and prevents costly redesigns or necessary additions after vulnerabilities appear. By creating a network of solutions that prioritize security- and privacy-by-design principles, agencies ensure that protections are integrated into every stage of the biometric lifecycle.

Despite these opportunities for increased security, efficiency and progress, much of the public has doubts about data collection, bias and privacy, creating barriers to implementation and adoption. For this reason, transparency is critical to building and maintaining public trust.

Federal agencies must clearly communicate the parameters of biometric technology use, including how biometric data is collected, stored and accessed. Establishing offices like DHS’ Office of Biometric Identity Management provides a centralized point for disseminating pertinent information, like new policies and procedures, or addressing questions about biometric data use and where the public might encounter the technology.

Another opportunity to increase transparency is mandating third-party audits and compliance reporting that align with approved, existing frameworks, like NIST’s Digital Identity Guidelines, to measure compliance.

The digital security landscape is constantly evolving, so federal agencies must prioritize transparency through continuous testing to gain public trust through demonstrated compliance, accuracy and responsible use.

Digital identity is transforming the way governments deliver public services. But technology can’t drive progress alone. Trust is critical for success.

Complying with recognized security standards and improving data transparency lay the groundwork for a thriving digital identity ecosystem in federal government, but its continued success relies on cross-agency and industry collaboration and third-party validation. When combined, these actions will transform operations, creating a unified and secure digital ID future.

Jesús Aragón is the CEO and cofounder of Identy.io.

The post How agencies can ensure trust and transparency in digital identity first appeared on Federal News Network.