The UK government corrected some misconceptions about the proposed draft legislation to support cross-department data sharing.
The consultation, which occurred between January and March 2023, lodged a proposal to maximise the accessibility of user login data when they use any government service.
In adjacent to the legislation being passed, the government has been finalising the expected rollout of the new cross-government One Login system, which will unify 190+ different logins to create one access portal to public services.
One Login users can register an account, sign in and verify themselves remotely, a process which will be underpinned by digital identity tech, giving users a joined up and personalised online experience.
The preparation of One Login – which the Government Digital Service announced in 2021 – is testimony to a watershed moment to come when One Login is implemented.
It unifies favourable benefits for the government by removing barriers to broad service integration, accelerating digital transformation with a standardised platform and managing sign-on and identity checking.
An extension to making One Login available across other departments, One Login offers a new centralised solution that optimises all operations throughout government.
The legislation builds upon allowing data through One Login to be extrapolated and leveraged across government to simplify the repeated login process.
Both plans promise to create a single online account for users to access all the public services they are entitled to as national citizens.
On connected devices, the UK government is steering away from having autonomy over data, giving users visibility and control of their own decentralised digital identity. They have control over what and how their data is shared.
Fraud prevention is strengthened by the proposed One Login system. Discrediting false hopes around One Login, the gov.uk website says people will be able to “access the services they need, without creating mandatory ID cards”.
Using One Login will not be mandatory as inclusion is still an important factor. Offline and face-to-face offices will still be available for individuals, especially older people, who do not want to use the online service.
Cybersecurity is a “priority” for the government and a redesigned system reducing over 190 different logins will “protect users and their data” to ensure the “security and integrity of online government services”.
One Login is not used for other purposes other than verifying someone’s identity to allow legitimate identity access; consent is not required from citizens for these purposes.
