Independent oversight strengthens the OpenID Foundation’s conformance testing program.
The OpenID Foundation is pleased to announce that the Kantara Initiative – a global community focused on improving the trustworthy use of identity and personal data – has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to become an Authorised Auditor under the Foundation’s independent conformance testing program.
As an Authorized Auditor, the Kantara Initiative will assess organisations applying to become Approved Testing Service Providers – independent entities responsible for conducting conformance testing against the OpenID Foundation’s specifications. The Kantara Initiative’s members span organisations across multiple sectors and geographies, bringing breadth of experience and deep expertise in trust frameworks, assurance programs, and identity governance that the Authorised Auditor role demands.
Gail Hodges, Executive Director of the OpenID Foundation, said: “As the conformance testing program grows, independent oversight will play a vital role. The Kantara Initiative shares our commitment to trustworthy digital identity, and this collaboration strengthens the foundation on which the whole ecosystem depends.”
This formalises a collaboration between two peer non-profit organisations with complementary expertise in identity standards and trust frameworks. By signing the MOU, the Kantara Initiative is signalling its commitment to scaling conformance testing in a way that aligns with its mission and vision as a non-profit, and the needs of its community.
Eve Maler, Kantara Initiative Board Member, said: “I work closely with both Kantara Initiative and the OpenID Foundation. Kantara’s deep expertise in measuring assurance in identity and authentication complements the Foundation’s deep expertise in providing effective tools to implementers for self-assessing conformance. I’m excited that these organiscations will collaborate in scaling trustworthy identity systems.”
This latest news builds on the OpenID Foundation’s recent announcement which highlighted the first cohort to sign an MOU, committing to collaborate as Testing Service Providers in the forthcoming independent conformance test program – BixeLab, FIDO Alliance, Inc., Fime, Raidiam and TrustID Solutions
The responsibilities of an Authorised Auditor include:
- Conducting the necessary due diligence to establish that a Testing Service Applicant is legitimate.
- Conducting structured assessments using documented assessment plans and checklists aligned with the OpenID Foundation’s Requirements and Testing Service Assessment Criteria.
The OpenID Foundation and the Kantara Initiative will continue to work together to enhance delivery of the Foundation’s Conformity Assessment Tool, supporting implementers that need evidence of conformance with OpenID Foundation specifications and standards.
