The UK’s Data (Use and Access) Bill (DUA) marks a significant milestone in regulating digital verification and digital identity, but it is far from the finish line. According to Hannah Rutter, CEO of the newly established Office for Digital Identities and Attributes at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the legislation is just the beginning.

“In a post-legislative world, we will continue to drive the standards forward,” Hannah explained during the recent Westminster eForum Policy event on digital IDs. This commitment signals a continuous evolution in how the UK approaches digital identity, ensuring trust, transparency, and usability are at the forefront of every development.

Driving Trust Through Standards and Certification

A key focus of the Office for Digital Identities and Attributes is expanding the UK’s Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework (DIATF). The trust mark, a symbol of government certification, assures users and businesses that a digital ID service meets high security and compliance standards.

The latest 0.4 version of DIATF reflects this ambition, incorporating industry and public feedback to tighten standards, particularly around biometric inclusivity and testing. The update also enhances transparency in data use and strengthens safeguards for users, such as offering support if accounts are lost.

A Collaborative Approach for Economic Impact

The government is also working with regulatory bodies like the Joint Money Laundering Steering Group (JMLSG) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to align supplementary codes of practice with the needs of sectors like financial services and age assurance.

Hannah emphasised the economic potential of reusable digital IDs: “If we can get widespread use of these sorts of products across the economy, the value to the UK could be as much as £700 million a year.” These figures illustrate the immense ROI potential for both the government and businesses.

The Challenges of Adoption: Xertilox’s Commitment to Trust and Usability

Despite growing momentum around digital identity solutions, adoption remains a challenge. At Xertilox, we understand that trust and usability are the critical factors for success. Many individuals and businesses are still unfamiliar with the concept of reusable digital IDs and their potential benefits. This gap in understanding often leads to hesitation, especially when sensitive personal data is involved.

For Xertilox, the solution is clear: we must not only deliver a secure platform but also ensure it is intuitive and easy to use. Users care about results—getting verified quickly, managing documents securely, and avoiding the frustration of scattered processes. They shouldn’t have to worry about the complexity of the technology or question the safety of their data. That’s where Xertilox steps in.

We’ve built the Xertilox platform and wallet to prioritise seamless, user-friendly experiences while maintaining the highest standards of security. Features like multi-factor authentication are integrated thoughtfully to protect users without adding unnecessary complexity. Our mission is to create a system where trust, simplicity, and security work hand in hand, ensuring businesses and individuals feel confident in every interaction.

In addition, we recognise that adoption requires more than just technology—it requires education. Xertilox is dedicated to helping users and businesses understand the value of reusable digital IDs. Through clear communication and practical examples, we’re bridging the gap between innovation and everyday application, showing how our solutions can simplify processes like job applications, compliance checks, and financial assessments.

At Xertilox, we know that trust isn’t given—it’s earned. By delivering transparency, reliability, and ease of use, we’re redefining digital identity to make it work for everyone. With every interaction, we aim to build confidence and show that a better, more secure way to manage identity is not just possible—it’s here.

Unlocking the Potential of Reusable Digital IDs

A well-designed digital ID system opens up possibilities far beyond convenience. It can verify a customer’s age in stores, streamline mortgage assessments, and even protect society by safeguarding minors from harmful content and curbing cybercrime.

The Road Ahead

As the DUA Bill progresses, it sets the foundation for a transformative shift in how digital identity is managed in the UK. By focusing on trust, collaboration, and usability, the government and private sector can create a system that benefits individuals and businesses alike. But the journey is just beginning, and the true potential of digital identity lies in what comes next.

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