A nationally-regulated digital identification platform could be on its way for Australians as soon as this time next year.

But is this a good thing? And how does it impact us?

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher revealed at the Australian Financial Review’s Government Services Summit that the system would allow Australians to compile their ID forms–such as driver's licences, Medicare cards or proof of age cards–into a platform to be used by external organisations to verify a person's identity.

Is going digital the best thing for Australia? Image Credit: Shutterstock

This will mean that by mid-2024, Australians will possibly go completely digital when verifying their identity with external organisations like Centrelink, financial institutions, and travel companies.

’That's a pretty tight timeframe, so I don't want to be held to that. But that's kind of my roadmap,’ Gallagher said.

She also noted that the scheme would allow existing state and territory apps to be ‘interoperable’ with the program, meaning it would all work together.

‘We've got the system. It's just not regulated and not in a shape I think that will allow us to drive it forward and give the interoperability and the economy-wide benefits that come from having a national system, but we're very committed to it,’ said Gallagher.

While the scheme has already garnered some outcry from critics concerned about cybersecurity and data retention, Gallagher defended the scheme saying it was proposed to give Australians more control over their information.

‘There is already pushback,’ she admitted.

‘We've seen this, particularly coming out of COVID-19, you know, theories, conspiracy theories about what the government's trying to do.’

'It is about securing your information and protecting your information, and ensuring that you know when that information is shared, it’s done under a regulated system,' she said.

Australia Post, Mastercard, and Australian Payments Plus have already implemented digital verification systems.

But with cyberattacks on the rise in Australia, is this something we should be getting excited about or cautious of?

Just this week, we heard reports of the ATOs verification system falling short. Security loopholes led to over half a billion dollars being stolen from taxpayers. You can read more about that story here.

In response to this security loophole, member @ToniaKisliakov said: ‘These scams are because [Australian governments] don't care enough about taxpayers!’

While member @Shane/# commented: ‘Technology isn't it grand "NOT".’

Key Takeaways

• Aussies could have a national digital ID within the next 12 months, which will mean licences, Medicare cards, and other forms to be verified online.
• Finance Minister Katy Gallagher announced the digital ID plan, suggesting that many states are already implementing digital services to access ID forms.
• The digital ID will not be a new card or number but has been described as compiling existing ID forms into one system in a 'secure, voluntary and efficient way'.
• There are concerns over cybersecurity and data retention put forth by critics related to the digital ID's introduction. However, Gallagher asserts it will give Australians control over their own information.

So, how will we know whether this new system is truly safe? Only time will tell…

Do you think some things should remain as they are, like Medicare cards and licences? As the adage goes, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’

Let us know what you think in the comments below. In the meantime, members, please stay alert to cybersecurity risks if you have to keep your ID information on a digital platform. And if you happen to see something suspicious, be sure to report it.

 

[Luckyus]

A nationally-regulated digital identification platform could be on its way for Australians as soon as this time next year.

But is this a good thing? And how does it impact us?

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher revealed at the Australian Financial Review’s Government Services Summit that the system would allow Australians to compile their ID forms–such as driver's licences, Medicare cards or proof of age cards–into a platform to be used by external organisations to verify a person's identity.

View attachment 26051

Is going digital the best thing for Australia? Image Credit: Shutterstock

This will mean that by mid-2024, Australians will possibly go completely digital when verifying their identity with external organisations like Centrelink, financial institutions, and travel companies.

’That's a pretty tight timeframe, so I don't want to be held to that. But that's kind of my roadmap,’ Gallagher said.

She also noted that the scheme would allow existing state and territory apps to be ‘interoperable’ with the program, meaning it would all work together.

‘We've got the system. It's just not regulated and not in a shape I think that will allow us to drive it forward and give the interoperability and the economy-wide benefits that come from having a national system, but we're very committed to it,’ said Gallagher.

While the scheme has already garnered some outcry from critics concerned about cybersecurity and data retention, Gallagher defended the scheme saying it was proposed to give Australians more control over their information.

‘There is already pushback,’ she admitted.

‘We've seen this, particularly coming out of COVID-19, you know, theories, conspiracy theories about what the government's trying to do.’

'It is about securing your information and protecting your information, and ensuring that you know when that information is shared, it’s done under a regulated system,' she said.

Australia Post, Mastercard, and Australian Payments Plus have already implemented digital verification systems.

But with cyberattacks on the rise in Australia, is this something we should be getting excited about or cautious of?

Just this week, we heard reports of the ATOs verification system falling short. Security loopholes led to over half a billion dollars being stolen from taxpayers. You can read more about that story here.

In response to this security loophole, member @ToniaKisliakov said: ‘These scams are because [Australian governments] don't care enough about taxpayers!’

While member @Shane/# commented: ‘Technology isn't it grand "NOT".’

Key Takeaways

• Aussies could have a national digital ID within the next 12 months, which will mean licences, Medicare cards, and other forms to be verified online.
• Finance Minister Katy Gallagher announced the digital ID plan, suggesting that many states are already implementing digital services to access ID forms.
• The digital ID will not be a new card or number but has been described as compiling existing ID forms into one system in a 'secure, voluntary and efficient way'.
• There are concerns over cybersecurity and data retention put forth by critics related to the digital ID's introduction. However, Gallagher asserts it will give Australians control over their own information.

So, how will we know whether this new system is truly safe? Only time will tell…

Do you think some things should remain as they are, like Medicare cards and licences? As the adage goes, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’

Let us know what you think in the comments below. In the meantime, members, please stay alert to cybersecurity risks if you have to keep your ID information on a digital platform. And if you happen to see something suspicious, be sure to report it.

• There are concerns over cybersecurity and data retention put forth by critics related to the digital ID's introduction. However, Gallagher asserts it will give Australians control over their own information. Bullshit If enough people don't like it you can stop it

 

[Gazman]

A nationally-regulated digital identification platform could be on its way for Australians as soon as this time next year.

But is this a good thing? And how does it impact us?

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher revealed at the Australian Financial Review’s Government Services Summit that the system would allow Australians to compile their ID forms–such as driver's licences, Medicare cards or proof of age cards–into a platform to be used by external organisations to verify a person's identity.

View attachment 26051

Is going digital the best thing for Australia? Image Credit: Shutterstock

This will mean that by mid-2024, Australians will possibly go completely digital when verifying their identity with external organisations like Centrelink, financial institutions, and travel companies.

’That's a pretty tight timeframe, so I don't want to be held to that. But that's kind of my roadmap,’ Gallagher said.

She also noted that the scheme would allow existing state and territory apps to be ‘interoperable’ with the program, meaning it would all work together.

‘We've got the system. It's just not regulated and not in a shape I think that will allow us to drive it forward and give the interoperability and the economy-wide benefits that come from having a national system, but we're very committed to it,’ said Gallagher.

While the scheme has already garnered some outcry from critics concerned about cybersecurity and data retention, Gallagher defended the scheme saying it was proposed to give Australians more control over their information.

‘There is already pushback,’ she admitted.

‘We've seen this, particularly coming out of COVID-19, you know, theories, conspiracy theories about what the government's trying to do.’

'It is about securing your information and protecting your information, and ensuring that you know when that information is shared, it’s done under a regulated system,' she said.

Australia Post, Mastercard, and Australian Payments Plus have already implemented digital verification systems.

But with cyberattacks on the rise in Australia, is this something we should be getting excited about or cautious of?

Just this week, we heard reports of the ATOs verification system falling short. Security loopholes led to over half a billion dollars being stolen from taxpayers. You can read more about that story here.

In response to this security loophole, member @ToniaKisliakov said: ‘These scams are because [Australian governments] don't care enough about taxpayers!’

While member @Shane/# commented: ‘Technology isn't it grand "NOT".’

Key Takeaways

• Aussies could have a national digital ID within the next 12 months, which will mean licences, Medicare cards, and other forms to be verified online.
• Finance Minister Katy Gallagher announced the digital ID plan, suggesting that many states are already implementing digital services to access ID forms.
• The digital ID will not be a new card or number but has been described as compiling existing ID forms into one system in a 'secure, voluntary and efficient way'.
• There are concerns over cybersecurity and data retention put forth by critics related to the digital ID's introduction. However, Gallagher asserts it will give Australians control over their own information.

So, how will we know whether this new system is truly safe? Only time will tell…

Do you think some things should remain as they are, like Medicare cards and licences? As the adage goes, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’

Let us know what you think in the comments below. In the meantime, members, please stay alert to cybersecurity risks if you have to keep your ID information on a digital platform. And if you happen to see something suspicious, be sure to report it.

Could be a good thing, my WA driver's license is now using this. Unfortunately there will be hackers out there right now trying to hack into it. I don't know why we don't bring in a world law that when caught they face a minimum 20-year jail sentence. That should deter some of the buggers.

 

[Babybird]

A nationally-regulated digital identification platform could be on its way for Australians as soon as this time next year.

But is this a good thing? And how does it impact us?

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher revealed at the Australian Financial Review’s Government Services Summit that the system would allow Australians to compile their ID forms–such as driver's licences, Medicare cards or proof of age cards–into a platform to be used by external organisations to verify a person's identity.

View attachment 26051

Is going digital the best thing for Australia? Image Credit: Shutterstock

This will mean that by mid-2024, Australians will possibly go completely digital when verifying their identity with external organisations like Centrelink, financial institutions, and travel companies.

’That's a pretty tight timeframe, so I don't want to be held to that. But that's kind of my roadmap,’ Gallagher said.

She also noted that the scheme would allow existing state and territory apps to be ‘interoperable’ with the program, meaning it would all work together.

‘We've got the system. It's just not regulated and not in a shape I think that will allow us to drive it forward and give the interoperability and the economy-wide benefits that come from having a national system, but we're very committed to it,’ said Gallagher.

While the scheme has already garnered some outcry from critics concerned about cybersecurity and data retention, Gallagher defended the scheme saying it was proposed to give Australians more control over their information.

‘There is already pushback,’ she admitted.

‘We've seen this, particularly coming out of COVID-19, you know, theories, conspiracy theories about what the government's trying to do.’

'It is about securing your information and protecting your information, and ensuring that you know when that information is shared, it’s done under a regulated system,' she said.

Australia Post, Mastercard, and Australian Payments Plus have already implemented digital verification systems.

But with cyberattacks on the rise in Australia, is this something we should be getting excited about or cautious of?

Just this week, we heard reports of the ATOs verification system falling short. Security loopholes led to over half a billion dollars being stolen from taxpayers. You can read more about that story here.

In response to this security loophole, member @ToniaKisliakov said: ‘These scams are because [Australian governments] don't care enough about taxpayers!’

While member @Shane/# commented: ‘Technology isn't it grand "NOT".’

Key Takeaways

• Aussies could have a national digital ID within the next 12 months, which will mean licences, Medicare cards, and other forms to be verified online.
• Finance Minister Katy Gallagher announced the digital ID plan, suggesting that many states are already implementing digital services to access ID forms.
• The digital ID will not be a new card or number but has been described as compiling existing ID forms into one system in a 'secure, voluntary and efficient way'.
• There are concerns over cybersecurity and data retention put forth by critics related to the digital ID's introduction. However, Gallagher asserts it will give Australians control over their own information.

So, how will we know whether this new system is truly safe? Only time will tell…

Do you think some things should remain as they are, like Medicare cards and licences? As the adage goes, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’

Let us know what you think in the comments below. In the meantime, members, please stay alert to cybersecurity risks if you have to keep your ID information on a digital platform. And if you happen to see something suspicious, be sure to report it.

Not in favour my phone have been stolen few times everything was hacked including my email can't get in at all.

Imagine all that info on your phone hacked.

I think leaving ourself wide open.

Also hacking has become so easy that big companies been hacked....

 

[Argie]

yes leaving us wide open to be hacked and scammed

 

[Shane/#]

A nationally-regulated digital identification platform could be on its way for Australians as soon as this time next year.

But is this a good thing? And how does it impact us?

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher revealed at the Australian Financial Review’s Government Services Summit that the system would allow Australians to compile their ID forms–such as driver's licences, Medicare cards or proof of age cards–into a platform to be used by external organisations to verify a person's identity.

View attachment 26051

Is going digital the best thing for Australia? Image Credit: Shutterstock

This will mean that by mid-2024, Australians will possibly go completely digital when verifying their identity with external organisations like Centrelink, financial institutions, and travel companies.

’That's a pretty tight timeframe, so I don't want to be held to that. But that's kind of my roadmap,’ Gallagher said.

She also noted that the scheme would allow existing state and territory apps to be ‘interoperable’ with the program, meaning it would all work together.

‘We've got the system. It's just not regulated and not in a shape I think that will allow us to drive it forward and give the interoperability and the economy-wide benefits that come from having a national system, but we're very committed to it,’ said Gallagher.

While the scheme has already garnered some outcry from critics concerned about cybersecurity and data retention, Gallagher defended the scheme saying it was proposed to give Australians more control over their information.

‘There is already pushback,’ she admitted.

‘We've seen this, particularly coming out of COVID-19, you know, theories, conspiracy theories about what the government's trying to do.’

'It is about securing your information and protecting your information, and ensuring that you know when that information is shared, it’s done under a regulated system,' she said.

Australia Post, Mastercard, and Australian Payments Plus have already implemented digital verification systems.

But with cyberattacks on the rise in Australia, is this something we should be getting excited about or cautious of?

Just this week, we heard reports of the ATOs verification system falling short. Security loopholes led to over half a billion dollars being stolen from taxpayers. You can read more about that story here.

In response to this security loophole, member @ToniaKisliakov said: ‘These scams are because [Australian governments] don't care enough about taxpayers!’

While member @Shane/# commented: ‘Technology isn't it grand "NOT".’

Key Takeaways

• Aussies could have a national digital ID within the next 12 months, which will mean licences, Medicare cards, and other forms to be verified online.
• Finance Minister Katy Gallagher announced the digital ID plan, suggesting that many states are already implementing digital services to access ID forms.
• The digital ID will not be a new card or number but has been described as compiling existing ID forms into one system in a 'secure, voluntary and efficient way'.
• There are concerns over cybersecurity and data retention put forth by critics related to the digital ID's introduction. However, Gallagher asserts it will give Australians control over their own information.

So, how will we know whether this new system is truly safe? Only time will tell…

Do you think some things should remain as they are, like Medicare cards and licences? As the adage goes, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’

Let us know what you think in the comments below. In the meantime, members, please stay alert to cybersecurity risks if you have to keep your ID information on a digital platform. And if you happen to see something suspicious, be sure to report it.

This will be a hacker's dream the government can't keep information from being hacked how are they going too on this with AI etc becoming a problem no digital photos here bloody dickheads

 

[JKD]

OK if you live in a city but in a rural area we have no mobile signal - how are we supposed to manage then.

 

[Leenie]

Shades of Bob Hawkes Australia Card he tried to bring ,this smells of big world government to control everything we do.

 

[BellaVita]

I’m with Medibank, they got hacked. I got scammed $600, Suncorp said they weren’t liable.

If this goes ahead we are screwed. Nothing will be safe for us from the scammers. I get text messages nearly everyday from scammers. Never seen the likes of it before. This will be scammers dream for everything to go digital. It’s all about government control and nothing to do with helping us the people

 

[PettyPie]

Totally not in favour of this. The govrrnment cannot secure its own improtant websites so how can it say our information will be secure. Besides, the way it is going with digital identity and the push to use Central bank digital currency, it will give the government even more control over the ordinary Australian and then where will be our freedom that Aussies love so much.

 

[Rob44]

A nationally-regulated digital identification platform could be on its way for Australians as soon as this time next year.

But is this a good thing? And how does it impact us?

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher revealed at the Australian Financial Review’s Government Services Summit that the system would allow Australians to compile their ID forms–such as driver's licences, Medicare cards or proof of age cards–into a platform to be used by external organisations to verify a person's identity.

View attachment 26051

Is going digital the best thing for Australia? Image Credit: Shutterstock

This will mean that by mid-2024, Australians will possibly go completely digital when verifying their identity with external organisations like Centrelink, financial institutions, and travel companies.

’That's a pretty tight timeframe, so I don't want to be held to that. But that's kind of my roadmap,’ Gallagher said.

She also noted that the scheme would allow existing state and territory apps to be ‘interoperable’ with the program, meaning it would all work together.

‘We've got the system. It's just not regulated and not in a shape I think that will allow us to drive it forward and give the interoperability and the economy-wide benefits that come from having a national system, but we're very committed to it,’ said Gallagher.

While the scheme has already garnered some outcry from critics concerned about cybersecurity and data retention, Gallagher defended the scheme saying it was proposed to give Australians more control over their information.

‘There is already pushback,’ she admitted.

‘We've seen this, particularly coming out of COVID-19, you know, theories, conspiracy theories about what the government's trying to do.’

'It is about securing your information and protecting your information, and ensuring that you know when that information is shared, it’s done under a regulated system,' she said.

Australia Post, Mastercard, and Australian Payments Plus have already implemented digital verification systems.

But with cyberattacks on the rise in Australia, is this something we should be getting excited about or cautious of?

Just this week, we heard reports of the ATOs verification system falling short. Security loopholes led to over half a billion dollars being stolen from taxpayers. You can read more about that story here.

In response to this security loophole, member @ToniaKisliakov said: ‘These scams are because [Australian governments] don't care enough about taxpayers!’

While member @Shane/# commented: ‘Technology isn't it grand "NOT".’

Key Takeaways

• Aussies could have a national digital ID within the next 12 months, which will mean licences, Medicare cards, and other forms to be verified online.
• Finance Minister Katy Gallagher announced the digital ID plan, suggesting that many states are already implementing digital services to access ID forms.
• The digital ID will not be a new card or number but has been described as compiling existing ID forms into one system in a 'secure, voluntary and efficient way'.
• There are concerns over cybersecurity and data retention put forth by critics related to the digital ID's introduction. However, Gallagher asserts it will give Australians control over their own information.

So, how will we know whether this new system is truly safe? Only time will tell…

Do you think some things should remain as they are, like Medicare cards and licences? As the adage goes, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’

Let us know what you think in the comments below. In the meantime, members, please stay alert to cybersecurity risks if you have to keep your ID information on a digital platform. And if you happen to see something suspicious, be sure to report it.

Another attempt by the ALP to force an ID card on us. This time a "digital" ID card that will inevitably be open to being stolen by cyber-criminals. The government is our worst cybersecurity risk! May as well have PR China run Australia.

 

[mylittletibbies]

I’m with Medibank, they got hacked. I got scammed $600, Suncorp said they weren’t liable.

If this goes ahead we are screwed. Nothing will be safe for us from the scammers. I get text messages nearly everyday from scammers. Never seen the likes of it before. This will be scammers dream for everything to go digital. It’s all about government control and nothing to do with helping us the people

Everything is about world control, but we can't say that or we are conspiracy theorists.
As far as governments are concerned we are just supposed to stick our heads in the sand and keep our mouths shut.
Bit by little bit they are eroding our rights.
A farmer in my area just recently bought a new large shed for his property but is not allowed to erect it, ON HIS OWN FARM, because of these ridiculous new indigenous land rights they have passed here in WA, all the while telling farmers it would not affect them. All governments do is lie to us
God help us all if the Voice gets up
In Qld they are already stopping campers in certain areas near rivers, intend to make us whities pay to go to beaches, rivers to fish, because it's THEIR land.
Albo won't tell us what it will entail and also lies to us
He said it was not about treaty and reparation, but he also said he would follow the Statement of the Heart from Uluru, and this clearly states treaty and reparation (compensation).
Don't they think the billions paid out yearly from the taxpayers money is enough compensation.
We all live in this country and need to learn to live together, racial discrimination works both ways, but there doesn't seem to be any laws against indigenous people making racial taunts to white people.

 

[Robbo3006]

A nationally-regulated digital identification platform could be on its way for Australians as soon as this time next year.

But is this a good thing? And how does it impact us?

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher revealed at the Australian Financial Review’s Government Services Summit that the system would allow Australians to compile their ID forms–such as driver's licences, Medicare cards or proof of age cards–into a platform to be used by external organisations to verify a person's identity.

View attachment 26051

Is going digital the best thing for Australia? Image Credit: Shutterstock

This will mean that by mid-2024, Australians will possibly go completely digital when verifying their identity with external organisations like Centrelink, financial institutions, and travel companies.

’That's a pretty tight timeframe, so I don't want to be held to that. But that's kind of my roadmap,’ Gallagher said.

She also noted that the scheme would allow existing state and territory apps to be ‘interoperable’ with the program, meaning it would all work together.

‘We've got the system. It's just not regulated and not in a shape I think that will allow us to drive it forward and give the interoperability and the economy-wide benefits that come from having a national system, but we're very committed to it,’ said Gallagher.

While the scheme has already garnered some outcry from critics concerned about cybersecurity and data retention, Gallagher defended the scheme saying it was proposed to give Australians more control over their information.

‘There is already pushback,’ she admitted.

‘We've seen this, particularly coming out of COVID-19, you know, theories, conspiracy theories about what the government's trying to do.’

'It is about securing your information and protecting your information, and ensuring that you know when that information is shared, it’s done under a regulated system,' she said.

Australia Post, Mastercard, and Australian Payments Plus have already implemented digital verification systems.

But with cyberattacks on the rise in Australia, is this something we should be getting excited about or cautious of?

Just this week, we heard reports of the ATOs verification system falling short. Security loopholes led to over half a billion dollars being stolen from taxpayers. You can read more about that story here.

In response to this security loophole, member @ToniaKisliakov said: ‘These scams are because [Australian governments] don't care enough about taxpayers!’

While member @Shane/# commented: ‘Technology isn't it grand "NOT".’

Key Takeaways

• Aussies could have a national digital ID within the next 12 months, which will mean licences, Medicare cards, and other forms to be verified online.
• Finance Minister Katy Gallagher announced the digital ID plan, suggesting that many states are already implementing digital services to access ID forms.
• The digital ID will not be a new card or number but has been described as compiling existing ID forms into one system in a 'secure, voluntary and efficient way'.
• There are concerns over cybersecurity and data retention put forth by critics related to the digital ID's introduction. However, Gallagher asserts it will give Australians control over their own information.

So, how will we know whether this new system is truly safe? Only time will tell…

Do you think some things should remain as they are, like Medicare cards and licences? As the adage goes, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’

Let us know what you think in the comments below. In the meantime, members, please stay alert to cybersecurity risks if you have to keep your ID information on a digital platform. And if you happen to see something suspicious, be sure to report it.

Hackers paradise. Make us more vulnerable to get our money stolen by hackers, governments of the world are way behind the advanced hacker.

 

[Malcolm Dominy]

A nationally-regulated digital identification platform could be on its way for Australians as soon as this time next year.

But is this a good thing? And how does it impact us?

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher revealed at the Australian Financial Review’s Government Services Summit that the system would allow Australians to compile their ID forms–such as driver's licences, Medicare cards or proof of age cards–into a platform to be used by external organisations to verify a person's identity.

View attachment 26051

Is going digital the best thing for Australia? Image Credit: Shutterstock

This will mean that by mid-2024, Australians will possibly go completely digital when verifying their identity with external organisations like Centrelink, financial institutions, and travel companies.

’That's a pretty tight timeframe, so I don't want to be held to that. But that's kind of my roadmap,’ Gallagher said.

She also noted that the scheme would allow existing state and territory apps to be ‘interoperable’ with the program, meaning it would all work together.

‘We've got the system. It's just not regulated and not in a shape I think that will allow us to drive it forward and give the interoperability and the economy-wide benefits that come from having a national system, but we're very committed to it,’ said Gallagher.

While the scheme has already garnered some outcry from critics concerned about cybersecurity and data retention, Gallagher defended the scheme saying it was proposed to give Australians more control over their information.

‘There is already pushback,’ she admitted.

‘We've seen this, particularly coming out of COVID-19, you know, theories, conspiracy theories about what the government's trying to do.’

'It is about securing your information and protecting your information, and ensuring that you know when that information is shared, it’s done under a regulated system,' she said.

Australia Post, Mastercard, and Australian Payments Plus have already implemented digital verification systems.

But with cyberattacks on the rise in Australia, is this something we should be getting excited about or cautious of?

Just this week, we heard reports of the ATOs verification system falling short. Security loopholes led to over half a billion dollars being stolen from taxpayers. You can read more about that story here.

In response to this security loophole, member @ToniaKisliakov said: ‘These scams are because [Australian governments] don't care enough about taxpayers!’

While member @Shane/# commented: ‘Technology isn't it grand "NOT".’

Key Takeaways

• Aussies could have a national digital ID within the next 12 months, which will mean licences, Medicare cards, and other forms to be verified online.
• Finance Minister Katy Gallagher announced the digital ID plan, suggesting that many states are already implementing digital services to access ID forms.
• The digital ID will not be a new card or number but has been described as compiling existing ID forms into one system in a 'secure, voluntary and efficient way'.
• There are concerns over cybersecurity and data retention put forth by critics related to the digital ID's introduction. However, Gallagher asserts it will give Australians control over their own information.

So, how will we know whether this new system is truly safe? Only time will tell…

Do you think some things should remain as they are, like Medicare cards and licences? As the adage goes, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’

Let us know what you think in the comments below. In the meantime, members, please stay alert to cybersecurity risks if you have to keep your ID information on a digital platform. And if you happen to see something suspicious, be sure to report it.

Don't like it to controlling

 

[margaretritchie48]

No. Don't have a smart phone, don't want one.

 

[Pommyoz]

OK if you live in a city but in a rural area we have no mobile signal - how are we supposed to manage then.

This is a tongue in cheek answer. You can do whatever you like cos with no reception, no liability,

 

[Pommyoz]

I'm so glad mine doesn't expire for another 10 or so years

 

[Trudi]

I have far too much crap on my mobile phone already, so I won't be adding my Medicare cards, drivers licence, or credit cards.

 

[vickstar]

A nationally-regulated digital identification platform could be on its way for Australians as soon as this time next year.

But is this a good thing? And how does it impact us?

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher revealed at the Australian Financial Review’s Government Services Summit that the system would allow Australians to compile their ID forms–such as driver's licences, Medicare cards or proof of age cards–into a platform to be used by external organisations to verify a person's identity.

View attachment 26051

Is going digital the best thing for Australia? Image Credit: Shutterstock

This will mean that by mid-2024, Australians will possibly go completely digital when verifying their identity with external organisations like Centrelink, financial institutions, and travel companies.

’That's a pretty tight timeframe, so I don't want to be held to that. But that's kind of my roadmap,’ Gallagher said.

She also noted that the scheme would allow existing state and territory apps to be ‘interoperable’ with the program, meaning it would all work together.

‘We've got the system. It's just not regulated and not in a shape I think that will allow us to drive it forward and give the interoperability and the economy-wide benefits that come from having a national system, but we're very committed to it,’ said Gallagher.

While the scheme has already garnered some outcry from critics concerned about cybersecurity and data retention, Gallagher defended the scheme saying it was proposed to give Australians more control over their information.

‘There is already pushback,’ she admitted.

‘We've seen this, particularly coming out of COVID-19, you know, theories, conspiracy theories about what the government's trying to do.’

'It is about securing your information and protecting your information, and ensuring that you know when that information is shared, it’s done under a regulated system,' she said.

Australia Post, Mastercard, and Australian Payments Plus have already implemented digital verification systems.

But with cyberattacks on the rise in Australia, is this something we should be getting excited about or cautious of?

Just this week, we heard reports of the ATOs verification system falling short. Security loopholes led to over half a billion dollars being stolen from taxpayers. You can read more about that story here.

In response to this security loophole, member @ToniaKisliakov said: ‘These scams are because [Australian governments] don't care enough about taxpayers!’

While member @Shane/# commented: ‘Technology isn't it grand "NOT".’

Key Takeaways

• Aussies could have a national digital ID within the next 12 months, which will mean licences, Medicare cards, and other forms to be verified online.
• Finance Minister Katy Gallagher announced the digital ID plan, suggesting that many states are already implementing digital services to access ID forms.
• The digital ID will not be a new card or number but has been described as compiling existing ID forms into one system in a 'secure, voluntary and efficient way'.
• There are concerns over cybersecurity and data retention put forth by critics related to the digital ID's introduction. However, Gallagher asserts it will give Australians control over their own information.

So, how will we know whether this new system is truly safe? Only time will tell…

Do you think some things should remain as they are, like Medicare cards and licences? As the adage goes, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’

Let us know what you think in the comments below. In the meantime, members, please stay alert to cybersecurity risks if you have to keep your ID information on a digital platform. And if you happen to see something suspicious, be sure to report it.

I’m not in favour of it. A lot of older people do not have smart phones or are not savvy with them. It’s very unfair to those folk and to the disabled. Mentally challenged people would have trouble too

 

[davidsq]

There is an increase in reliance on having & being able to use & navigate a smart phone. From my recent 10 years as Pres SA Blind Citizens Aust not all were computer or technology savvy or could afford a smart phone. Those with cognitive, motor skills, vision impairment are gradually being left out of interacting with the technological changes. A parallel is hearing impaired persons cannot communicate with so many businesses let along the Government jugganaut. Try phoning Centrelink, medicare, NDIA, waiting for 45-60 plus minutes then getting a person you cant hear or understand or paying for care support to take you to their office & being told you need an appointment.

Points in question:- try using QR with your eyes closed (vision loss) used to navigate to a site or web based interfaces & the push to changing to phone apps or the push for a cashless society (Central Bank Digital Curency). I have communicated with the salient Ombudsmen & am told that the technology side of companies is a marketing strategy & falls outside of their core business.

so my concerns are - not all have or can afford or utilise a smart phoe or QR technology for a variety of reasons & the world is heading towards a MUST COMPLY scenario re digital technology. Is this discriminatory as some are excluded from accessibility. What are the cyber security safeguards & what are the consequences of a cyber attack.

The aging society will have a growing populace of vision & hearing impaired persons & one may think that government bureacrasies dont care. My local politicians dont seem to show any interest in advocating in this zone. Are we being manipulated by frustration to accept The Great Reset & microchip insertion technology..