A recommendation on the Governance of Digital Identity from the OECD is been put out for public consultation.
Developed over the past year, the OECD said it sets “an ambitious agenda for countries and the international community to realise the benefits of secure and trusted digital identity that works across technologies, sectors and borders.”
The OECD’s Public Governance Committee and its Working Party of Senior Digital Government Officials (E-Leaders) have developed a draft recommendation that covers the development and governance of digital identity systems as digital public infrastructure. This involves creating and aligning sound and future-proof policies and regulations for solution providers, as well as promoting cross-sector coordination, international collaboration, and a healthy market for identity solutions.
“The development of digital identity systems should be rooted in the needs of users and service providers, respecting democratic values and human rights, including by ensuring the inclusion of vulnerable groups and minorities, and the protection of privacy,” it said.
The draft recommendation presents a set of principles organised around three pillars:
- Developing user-centred and inclusive digital identity systems
- Strengthening the governance of digital identity
- Enabling cross-border use of digital identity
The consultation is open to government officials, civil society organisations, international organisations and interested citizens and stakeholders.
If approved by the OECD Council, the recommendation will form the basis for the OECD to serve as a forum for exchanging information, guidance, and monitoring activities and emerging trends around the governance of digital identity.
Recommendations are not legally binding but represent a political commitment to the principles they contain and an expectation that adherents will do their best to implement them.
Parties interested in commenting on the draft Recommendation can send written comments in English or French to eleaders@oecd.org or comment directly through the Engagement Platform no later than March 31, 2023.
