Preamble

Online authentication

To use some government services, you need to prove who you are. You also need to know that you are dealing with a real government agency. The process of proving who you are and establishing the authenticity of the agency is called authentication. The E-government Unit is looking for ways, acceptable to New Zealanders, to authenticate people and agencies so that the types of government service that require authentication can be provided online.

Why online authentication is important

"By June 2007, networks and Internet technologies will be integral to the delivery of government information, services and processes."

[E-government mission - see http://www.e-government.govt.nz/docs/e-gov-strategy-june-2003.]

Currently, individuals need to prove who they are to access more than one third of all government services. Increasingly government services are being provided online. The government portal - www.govt.nz - helps you find over 1,000 services provided by central and local government agencies. With more services from more government agencies becoming available online in the next few years, it is also important to ensure that the privacy of individuals is maintained and the security of information is protected.

You can use most existing online services without any kind of authentication, including getting access to a vast amount of information that is freely available online, such as education review reports on schools, health and safety information or the opening hours of your local public library. However, to deliver some kinds of government services online, agencies need a way of ensuring that these services - delivered over the Internet - are going to the right person. This will be achieved by electronically verifying that people are who they say they are and that their privacy is protected. Online authentication also means that you can check and be confident that the Internet site you are using is a genuine New Zealand government agency website.

This is what we mean by online authentication.

Some everyday authentication examples

There is nothing new about having to prove your identity in order to access information or services. Here are some examples of authentication methods commonly used in every day life.

Joining a library

In order to borrow books or other material from your local library you usually require a library card. In some areas, your library card can give you access to online library services, such as reserving books. When applying for a library card, you usually have to fill out a form and supply the librarian with some independent evidence of your address details (e.g. a bank statement) with your address on it. This confirms that you live in the area and are entitled to use the library's services.

Internet (online) banking

Increasing numbers of New Zealanders are using the Internet for online banking. It is a very convenient process, allowing you to manage your money when you want to. In order for you to carry out online banking, you must first talk to your bank about obtaining access to your bank accounts and services over the Internet. Most banks require you to prove your identity, usually by supplying personal information and your account details. For most banks, once they are sure of your identity, you are then provided with a Customer ID number and a temporary password to use once to login for services at the bank's website. This information is usually posted to your home address. You are prompted to choose your own password for future use the first time you successfully log into the bank's secure website.

Applying for a passport

Every New Zealand citizen is entitled to apply for a New Zealand passport. Passports are valuable items, and therefore evidence must be provided to ensure you are who you say you are. A passport application requires filling in a form with a lot of personal information. Your application has to include an original copy of your birth certification or citizenship certificate as proof of your New Zealand citizenship. The application forms require a person who knows you (your "witness") to fill out and sign a section confirming your identity. The witness also has to sign your photo as extra proof of your identity. These measures all help to authenticate your application.