Research: International use of digital identities and credentials: stakeholder survey responses

Results of an online survey inviting views on cross-border use of digital identities and credentials, and the government’s role in realising opportunities or removing barriers.

64% of respondents (24 responses) said they benefitted from international activity. 

Business or market expansion was cited as the main benefit of international digital identity use, followed by enhanced trust.  

Finance was identified as the highest-value area for cross-border use of digital identity, followed by compliance and verification. 

Barriers to operating internationally were cited by 79% of respondents (26 responses). The main barriers cited were regulatory diversity, disparate systems and technical challenges. 

The need for cross-border political or regulatory agreement to harmonise, align or mutually recognise national frameworks was cited by 62% of respondents (13 responses).  

57% of respondents (12 responses) wanted to see harmonisation, alignment and adoption of internationally recognised technical standards. 

79% of respondents (26 responses) wanted to see UK government involvement in enabling cross-border use of digital identity. 

Government support for alignment of legal and regulatory frameworks with international standards was the most cited area for action, by 48% of respondents (11 responses). 

Other areas cited for government action included establishment of mutual recognition agreements; enabling cooperation with international partners; enabling private sector/industry involvement in policy-making; issuing credentials, attributes and wallets; and providing clarity and guidance on legal and liability implications of cross-border digital identity use.  

The EU was the most cited international partner with whom respondents recommended the UK work more closely.  

Benefits from increased internationalisation