In an era where rapid change is no secret, keeping up with evolving technology and trends can be quite daunting. While many of us embrace change as it comes, a question lingers: Is change always for the better?

Today, we're going to discuss a new bill that the Australian government is looking into introducing: the national digital ID system.

As with any new service, it's essential to understand the system and how it works. So, let's explore the details.

The new digital ID will centralise official identification documents like passports, birth certificates, and driver's licenses onto a government-run platform. Credit: Shutterstock.

The new Digital ID initiative aims to centralise various official documents and forms of identification, including passports, birth certificates, and driver's licenses, onto a single government-operated platform.

This will then be the primary tool for verifying individuals' identities when interacting with government departments or third-party organisations, such as banks, real estate agencies, and insurance companies.

That means, when it comes to paperwork and administration, Aussies will soon no longer have to worry about uploading or handing over hard-copy documents to prove their identities.

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher unveiled the draft legislation for the ID bill on Tuesday, September 20, marking the beginning of consultations with the public.

'The legislation, when passed, will move Digital ID to a nationally regulated system which will be accessible across both the public and private sector and will include strong privacy protections,' she said.

Simon Bush, CEO of the Australian Information Industry Association, has welcomed the move, saying that the new digital ID will 'improve service delivery and interoperability with other departments and states'.

He said: 'The proposed legislation will provide strong regulation for accredited Digital ID providers to make sure they keep your information private and secure if you choose to create and reuse a Digital ID to access online services.'

Ms Gallagher said the final version of the contentious bill is slated for release by the end of 2023.

She is also optimistic that the system will become operational around mid-2024. When asked about the launch date, she mentioned this tentative timeline during the AFR summit, saying, 'Potentially mid-next year.'

More than 10 million Aussies are currently using myGov ID, and various states and jurisdictions are developing their own systems. However, these systems are not standardised or regulated.

Ms Gallagher believes they already have the basic infrastructure in place, but it needs to be structured and regulated to facilitate 'interoperability' and provide 'economy-wide benefits' as a national system.

She said: 'We're very committed to it.'

Will the national digital ID be mandatory in Australia?

No, it won't. According to Ms Gallagher, the system will operate voluntarily.

She emphasised that the focus is on giving citizens control over their information, enabling them to access government systems easily, securely, and efficiently—all by choice.

However, not everyone is convinced that the system is a good idea, with many worried about the security implications of such a system.

One argument set forth by critics is that having access to all your important documents in one place could expose you to more cybercrime.

Key Takeaways

• Australia is one step closer to a national digital ID card, with draft legislation for the bill released for consultation.
• The digital ID will bring together official forms of identification onto one government-run platform.
• More than 10.5 million Australians already use a digital ID to access government services.
• There have been concerns raised about the security of the program.

Members, what do you think of the idea of a national digital ID? What security concerns do you have, if any? We'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions! Please let us know in the comments below.

 

[IAN3005]

Great idea. Until my Gov gets hacked

And it will... mark my words.

 

[Trudi]

How odd. I have never found the need for a mobile phone to do all that. I use my brain, don't need a GPS to know when I am and where I need to go, can look at the sky to understand the weather, can switch off lights and other electrical appliances using the appropriate switch, recall appointments in my head, can write on paper using my fingers and use a landline telephone to receive and make telephone calls. And of course the books I want to read are in my book-case. I also laugh at my son who is a mobiphone junkie, like most of the 1980s generation onwards.

Yeah, I can do all the things you have listed as well, but why would I when I have better methods available?

How do you find your way if you are looking for an address in a city you have never been to? I guess you look at a map?

How will looking at the sky tell you what the weather/temperature will be tomorrow, or the day after?

I can keep appointments in my head as well, but I should I if there is an alternative?

I could use paper to make a list, but why would I when I can do it on my phone, where I can remove each item from the list when it's in my trolley and end up with a blank screen rather than a piece of paper with crossed out items?

I have something like 500 books on bookshelves, but they are too large and cumbersome to carry around in my handbag. My mobile is small and contains a few hundred Kindle books that are accessible wherever I am.

Yes, I too can turn lights and electrical gadgets on using a switch - when I'm home. I spend several days each week away from home and I have programmed the smart globes in my family room, bedroom and guest bedroom to come on and go off at speciefied times. Also, Google is set to wake me at 7:30 am each morning and turns on the radio for one hour. During winter, I was able to check the room temperature when I was returning home after being away for several days and was able to turn on an electric heater remotely.

Yeah, I can do everthing like it was done all my life, but it's a whole lot more fun playing with technology.

 

[Jennie]

I love being able to access all this stuff on my phone. Hopefully it will also help streamline things for everyone who has had to go into battle with Centrelink

I would rather use my tablet or laptop, a much bigger screen.

 

[NotNats]

Has no one read that this is not a compulsory move???

Keeping too much information on your phone is a very bad move anyhow. I do not have my bank details on my phone, no bank name, no account number and no PIN.

It may not be compulsory but slowly they are forcing us to use it even if we don't want to.

 

[IAN3005]

Have to wait and see.

Then it's too late..... told my 22-year-old son it's up to the younger generation to sort this stuff out. For him anyone born in the 70's or 80's is a "fossil"

 

[Leenie]

Then it's too late..... told my 22-year-old son it's up to the younger generation to sort this stuff out. For him anyone born in the 70's or 80's is a "fossil"

It may not be compulsory but slowly they are forcing us to use it even if we don't want to.

Like everything the governments does not compulsory,then it is ,don’t be fooled they are old hands at this.

 

[Mr Chips]

Who are they kidfing


who are they kidding- I cannot access MyGov account because it has my old mobile number. 3 verbal contacts to change it have had no result. Trust this new idea, yes in the year 3000!
Zoe

Not to mention that the MyGov app is so difficult to master.

 

[IAN3005]

Not to mention that the MyGov app is so difficult to master.

Just another means of getting people used to it while they close Centrelinks..... Plus it gives them another way of checking us out and spying on us...... Frank Jorgan's cry that they have been looking for an alternative site is a load of BS.... condescending pri***