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.

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

Meri Kirihimete and season’s greetings to you all.

Digital Identity New Zealand held its launch event in Auckland a year ago this month. Much has happened in the past 12 months:

We are looking forward to hosting David Birch back in New Zealand for the Digital Identity Summit in Wellington today.

August saw Digital Identity NZ co-host our first conference, Identity as Taonga, alongside Victoria University, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner and the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).

Collaborative working groups are the engine rooms of the Digital Identity NZ community.

Kia ora readers, Digital Identity NZ is now just over seven months old, and we are starting to see some of the groundwork transforming into wider engagement and action.  Reaction … Continue reading "July Newsletter – Digital Identity in action"

This month we released a summary of our research findings on the understanding, attitudes and perceptions of New Zealanders on Digital Identity. The findings are stark - they highlight a massive gap between what people would like to see when it comes to protecting and managing their data online, and the reality of the transparency and control they can actually exercise. This report in Wired magazine further elaborates on that sentiment. This is our challenge and our opportunity. Done right, a collaborative and inclusive Digital Identity ecosystem will allow its users both transparency and control, as well as an assurance that their data is kept safe and secure. The research findings will help us to close the gap, and in particular, work with technology providers and businesses to move away from the current paradigms of data harvesting and limited control.