Digital Identity

People across the U.S. use online systems to access government services. How agencies design and implement online log-in systems and identity proofing requirements shapes how residents access services, which presents equity issues and impacts staff workload.

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Balancing access, privacy, and security.

For government, approaching digital identity involves balancing multiple priorities around access, privacy, and data security.

In addition to ensuring members of the public can access services in a timely manner, agency staff must also consider how to implement strategies that are tuned appropriately to a given context, and not overly burdensome or inequitable. Successfully navigating these challenges and implementing user-friendly online log-in and verification systems can improve privacy and data security while promoting access to services.

On this page, you’ll find resources to help your organization design and enact efficient, equitable digital identity practices.

Subtopics

Explore our 3 digital identity subtopics below.

Authentication + Accounts

17 Resource(s)

Identity Proofing

27 Resource(s)

Verifiable Credentials

6 Resource(s)

How to Get Started

We recommend these resources as a starting place for approaching digital identity in the delivery of government services.

Digital Identity

Digital Identity Risk Assessment Playbook

This playbook is a method to apply the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-63-3 Digital Identity Guidelines. Federal agencies can perform a Digital Identity Risk Assessment (DIRA) to determine the appropriate identity, authenticator, or federation level outlined to access an application. While this playbook was written for U.S. Federal Agencies, it can be tailored to fit any organization.

  • U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)
  • 2023
Digital Identity

What is Digital Identity?

In this updated primer, the DBN introduces the concept of digital identity, and provides brief snapshots of digital identity-related developments internationally and in the U.S.

  • Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation
  • 2024

Join the Digital Digital Identity Community of Practice

Convened by the DBN, the mission of this Community of Practice is to promote the delivery of public benefits to all eligible individuals, including vulnerable populations, by informing how digital identity approaches should be used in public benefits delivery.

Digital Identity for Public Benefits

Digital Identity

Digital Identity in Public Benefits

In this updated primer, the DBN describes how identity proofing and authentication show up in public benefits applications and outlines equity and security concerns raised by common identity proofing and authentication methods.

  • Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation
  • 2024

Discover All of Our Digital Identity Resources

Below you can see the latest items and the most popular. Click View More to see all resources and examples.