Mastercard will hold the initial tests for a digital service which could verify a person’s identity immediately, safely and securely in the digital and physical world.
Its pilot will take place in Australia through an effort with Australia Post and one with Deakin University.
The first stage of tests will see Australia Post using the system to help Australians identify them selves when accessing services.
Australia Post general manager Regis Bauchiere said, “Australia Post is delighted to participate in this pilot, which will help raise awareness about digital identity in Australia and provide our Digital iD users access to a larger variety of uses.
“Complementing our participation in the Trusted Digital Identity Framework, it also positions Digital iD as the only identity provider offering our communities access to both government and private sector services.”
The test programme will enable users to prove their identity without the need of carrying multiple documents. Instead their information will be stored on their mobile device and verified via additional reference points, such as an individual’s bank or participating government agency.
During the initial test, student volunteers at Deakin University will use the verification too for student registration and digital examinations.
Mastercard president of cyber and intelligence Ajay Bhalla said, “Our increasingly digital life – the way we transact and interact – has challenged our traditional notions of identity, trust and privacy. We need a new model.
“We believe that this starts with a commitment to the responsible handling of personal information, giving consumers control over which data is used and how it is used to verify their identity.”
If the pilots are successful, Mastercard will seek additional partnerships and tests in various markets during 2020.
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