Ready for action

Kia ora,

In the last month we have shared with you our latest research findings on Digital Identity and Trust, and just last week the DIA’s DITP team shared with us their exciting news on the formal development of a Digital Identity Trust Framework, see the webinar recording here for Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Both are important foundations that collectively give us the confidence to take definitive action.

The overriding theme of the Trust and Identity research was one of the organisations and their technology partners taking on a greater share of responsibility when it comes to trustworthy management of personal information and data. This involved recognising that Identity is a Taonga, and understanding (and acting upon) their role as kaitiaki (custodians) of that precious information. Digital Identity NZ has an important role to play in helping organisations on that journey.

The news from the DIA that the Government will introduce a Digital Identity Bill in 2021 is a huge boost to those of us committed to developing a trustworthy digital identity ecosystem in Aotearoa. A definitive trajectory embracing collaboration allows organisations to develop new and innovative technologies and business models that enhance privacy, security and trust while reducing complexity and cost. We welcome and applaud the announcement, and acknowledge the amazing efforts of the DITP team in making it happen.

The research and Trust Framework announcements happily coincide with a new phase of community activity in Digital Identity NZ. From this week we will be forming a number of member-led projects around a number of action-oriented initiatives:

1: Development of an Aotearoa Digital Identity Ecosystem Map (this kicked off on Monday with a pilot survey to member organisations)

2: Further analysis and followup following the high-level findings from our 2020 Research, including a deeper analysis of Māori, Pacifika, and Senior communities, as well as those who may experience accessibility challenges

3: Release of a piece of legal and technical analysis of digital identity’s role in enabling customer onboarding for organisations with AML/CFT responsibilities, and formation of one or more project teams to discuss and explore options for furthering reuse and/or reliance of identity credentials

4: Development of a Digital Identity education roadmap incorporating the principles of Kāwanatanga (Honourable Governance), Rangatiratanga (Self Determination & Agency), Ōritetanga (Equity & Partnership) and freedom of choice.

We will be working closely with the DIPT team as they develop the Interim Trust Framework for the remainder of 2020. Further initiative-based project teams will be formed as we move through that progress. Similarly, we will be gauging member interest in developing a community submission on the Consumer Data Right, in response to MBIE’s request for feedback on their discussion document ‘Options for establishing a consumer data right in New Zealand’.

We will be communicating with you to gather expressions of interest and to invite you to initial exploratory Zoom sessions as each of the initiatives kicks off. In the meantime please feel free to contact me directly.

Now more than ever is a great time for you to join DINZ if you are not yet a member. Participating in the project teams and some of our research material is limited to member organisations only, and joining now will also allow you to consider nominating for a role on our Executive Council elections towards the end of the year. Join us as we shift into this exciting phase of action.

Ngā Mihi,

Andrew Weaver
Executive Director

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