The Ontario government has announced it will be bringing in a digital identity ecosystem in the fall..After conversations with the Council of Canadian Innovators and months of consultations with 68 organizations, more than 100 industry experts and five roundtable discussions on the topic, Ontario will launch its digital ID in the coming months..The new technology will allow people and businesses to securely show their identification both online and in person. The Ontario government said they will comply with all emerging digital ID industry standards while ensuring appropriate legal, privacy and security measures..The Ontario government website says the upcoming digital IDs will “provide better safety, more security and stronger privacy than physical identification cards or documents.”.“Digital ID is the foundation that will enable easier access to online services and make Ontario one of the world’s most digitally advanced jurisdictions, with a value for Ontarians, businesses and the government that is estimated at $20 billion,” said the Ontario government..The Ontario government confirmed on its website digital IDs will not be stored in central databases, will not be used as a tracking device and will not be used without your permission.. Digital-IDGraphic courtesy Government of Ontario website .To help you understand where it could work, here are some examples of future digital ID uses from the Ontario government’s website..As an individual, you could use digital ID to prove your identity when you:.make an age-sensitive purchase (like a lottery ticket)pick up a package at the post officeapply for government assistance (such as disability support) or benefits (such as CERB or EI)access and use vaccination recordsopen a bank account.As a business, you could use digital ID when you:.hire new employeesprove business identity/credentials or verify those of other businessesopen business accountsapply for loans, grants, tax creditsverify customers’ identity.With the growing digital age expanding through the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing threat of cybersecurity issues because of it, an overwhelming majority of Canadians say they are worried about personal information being compromised online..According to a survey done for Digital Identity and Authentication Council of Canada (DIACC), 39% of Canadians are extremely concerned about the security of their personal information online..Despite concerns over online security, 68% of Canadians said they would be willing to share more personal information online if it meant a more convenient experience..Other results show 83% trust in governments to keep personal information safe while 81% say they trust financial institutions. Only 31% feel social media sites can be trusted with their personal information..Although only half of the respondents said they understand the concept of a digital ID, well over half indicated an interest in using a digital ID..The survey also revealed Canadians spend a great deal of time online — an average of 32.7 hours per week, including work and personal time. One-third said they spend 40 hours or more online each week..DIACC has been working since 2014 to create a digital framework so Canadians can more securely transact online and do away with the need to show documents in their day-to-day life such as a driver’s licence or healthcare card..The digital ID would be contained in an app on a smartphone. A Pan-Canadian Trust Framework for use in the public and private sectors is set to launch allowing for the safe and secure exchange of sensitive data..Contributors in the public-private partnership on the DIACC board include representatives of Telus, SecureKey, Interac, Canada Post, Desjardins Card Services, CIBC, TD Bank, Bank of Montreal and several provinces..Melanie Risdon is a reporter with the Western Standard.,.mrisdon@westernstandardonline.com
