IVS Overview
Governments and businesses globally are constrained in their ability to
offer online services that require an individual's identity to be
verified. A cost effective online authentication will make it possible
to provide a wider range of innovative and useful services online.
The Authentication Programme has designed an all-of-government solution that meets the unique needs of New Zealand. A critical step in protecting privacy is that the service is designed with separation of the initial identity verification processes from subsequent online transactions. There are several other features of the service that collectively ensure the privacy of personal information.
A Privacy Impact Assessment by an independent assessor on the high level design has been completed.
The proposed Identity Verification Service (IVS) will provide government agencies with a high level of confidence regarding the identity of the online user, while placing people in control of the transaction and protecting their privacy. This is the online approximation of a person presenting a passport or other proof of identity document in-person to an agency.
People who use more than one government service requiring verification of their identity (whether for their own personal use or on behalf of an organisation), will be able to avoid the costs and inconvenience of repeatedly verifying their identity in-person with multiple agencies.
The proposed Identity Verification Service will be built and operated by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) with the support of the Department of Labour as part of the All-of-government Authentication Programme led by the State Services Commission.
The proposed Identity Verification Service will work together with the Government Logon Service to form a comprehensive online authentication solution for people who wish to securely transact with government agencies.
A new brand 'igovt' has been developed to encompass the services being offered by the Authentication Programme.
Cabinet Direction
In April 2007, Cabinet agreed that no department should make an investment in its own identity verification capability, outside of the Identity Verification Service, even if funded from within baselines or depreciation, without first consulting the State Services Commission and Treasury, and seeking Cabinet approval. [CAB Min (07) 12/1 (46) refers].
Public Consultation
The public consultation period for the Identity Verification Service closed on Friday 7 December 2007. Analysis of the consultation has now been completed. Please see Key Documents for the Summary Report and the Full Report.
To contact the Authentication Programme, please email us at Authentication@ssc.govt.nz
