UK aims to build digital identity systems based on trust

Speaking at Identiverse 2025. Hannah Rutter, Deputy Director of Digital Identity at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), highlighted that previous digital identity initiatives failed not due to technological shortcomings but a lack of public trust, understanding, and legal recognition. Rutter explained that, despite the existence of digital identity apps, people still rely on physical IDs because these tools are not trusted or legally accepted.

As part of a multi-year effort, the UK government hopes to solve this trust deficit by standardising and legitimising digital identity through transparent standards, independent certification, and legislation. The aim is to move away from fragmented paper-based checks, which are costly and inefficient, towards a system estimated to save over £700 million annually. The core of the UK's strategy is a government-backed trust framework aligning with existing cybersecurity and data protection requirements. Providers meeting these independently certified standards will receive a "UK Certified" trust mark, offering reassurance to users and regulators.