PayPal login option offered for UK public services access
The Open Identity Exchange (OIX), a global project aimed at creating a trust framework for sharing identity credentials between trusted bodies, has seen a significant development with the addition of PayPal to the Identity Assurance supplier framework in the UK.
This expansion of the framework, managed by the Government Digital Service, indicates a potential broadening of online public services' log-in options. PayPal, an online payments company based in the US, joins the ranks of other companies such as the Post Office, credit reference agency Experian, and Cassidian (a subsidiary of military contractor EADS).
The Identity Assurance scheme, introduced by the Government Digital Service in 2011, was described by Francis Maude, the Cabinet Office minister at the time, as a "little brother" plan in contrast to the previous government's "big brother" plan for a universal identity register. The goal of the scheme is to provide citizens with a choice of identity providers at minimal cost to the government.
The Identity Assurance supplier framework is a list of certified ID suppliers that government departments may choose to use for online public services. The first government IT system to use these suppliers was Universal Credit, the Department of Work and Pensions' new benefits processing system. However, as of the announcement, it remains undecided which ID Assurance providers will be supported in Universal Credit.
It is important to note that government departments are not obligated to use any of the suppliers listed in the Identity Assurance supplier framework. The scheme is designed to allow citizens to choose from a variety of identity providers.
The UK's Cabinet Office joined the OIX in June of the previous year, further emphasising the UK's commitment to the development of a global system of standards and governance processes for sharing identity credentials between trusted bodies.
PayPal, as a founder member of the OIX, brings its expertise in digital identity management to the UK's framework. The addition of PayPal to the Identity Assurance supplier framework now includes eight companies, with PayPal being the latest addition.
The addition of PayPal to the Identity Assurance supplier framework marks a significant step forward in the UK's digital identity strategy, offering citizens more choices and convenience when accessing online public services.
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