Kantara and DINZ To Support New Zealand’s Digital Identity Ecosystem Development.

dentity is an explicit target in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (Target 16.9: By 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration).

This week we are kicking off our second annual benchmark research on digital identity and trust. Our first report found that 79% of the over 1,000 people surveyed were concerned about the protection of their digital identity and personal information, 85% feel there is a lack of transparency about data use and 82% were concerned about having to share information with a multitude of companies.

There is much to appreciate in the clever technologies that some very smart people have nurtured over the years. We’re seeing an explosion of video-based conference calls, team meetings and webinars keeping many of the wheels of business turning. We’re also seeing an equally impressive explosion of human connection through the windows of our computer screens - virtual coffee mornings, quiz sessions, lunch dates and evening drinks have kept us connected and allowed for an impressive expression of individuality when it comes to choice of outfits and virtual backgrounds. ‘Who would have thought?’ innovations are happening all around us.

International Women’s Day was celebrated earlier this month. I was fortunate to participate in a number of events highlighting some incredible and inspiring wahine toa.

Reliance and trust are essential in the world of digital identity. It is fundamental when people give their identity information to those that receive it, and it also extends to the relationship between different organisations, technology and service providers who play a part.

The importance of transparency and trust will present the biggest changes and impacts relating to digital identify for New Zealanders in 2020, Digital Identity New Zealand (DINZ) says.

‘Trust, but verify’ was a favourite saying of Ronald Reagan, and interestingly (given his era) was adapted from a Russian proverb.

Aotearoa New Zealand has a golden opportunity now at the start of a new decade to demonstrate a truly inclusive digital identity environment, Digital Identity New Zealand (DINZ) executive director Andrew Weaver says.

Meri Kirihimete and season’s greetings to you all.