News - Authentication solutions design project outlines next

Authentication solutions design project outlines next steps

August 2002

Government organisations already offer a wide range of services online. Currently most of these services are quite straightforward, like being able to download an application form rather than ask for it to be sent by post. This is an obvious time-saver now, but ultimately people will want to carry out the entire application process online.

The main challenge for agencies is not technological, but rather being clear about the level of security needed to identify a person applying for a service online. Simple services like receiving regular news updates by email do not require any authentication of identity. However, agencies will need to electronically verify that people are who they say they are - just as they currently do over the counter when you are asked to produce a driver's licence or passport - in order to ensure online services that involve personal information are delivered to the right person.

The e-government authentication project will consider the full range of government services currently online and the levels of authentication necessary to deliver those services securely to the right person. This analysis will use the policy principles approved by Cabinet in April 2002 as guidance for possible across-government solutions. A wide range of stakeholders in communities, business and government will have the opportunity to contribute to these proposals before any recommended solutions are put to Cabinet in June 2003.

As part of a review of overseas developments in electronic authentication, the project team is visiting Australia (Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney) during the week of 5-9 August to speak with staff in the e-government offices, agencies and the Biometrics Institute. The research data will contribute to the development of options for electronic authentication.