Open Identity Exchange calls for mobile telco data to be used for digital ID verification | Mobile Marketing Magazine
According to the OIX, the data provided by mobile telecom companies has the potential to improve inclusivity for many people in the UK who face difficulties in proving their identity when accessing various products and services they have a right to. The OIX is a non-profit organization and worldwide community that advocates for positive and inclusive advancements in trustworthy digital identities.
OIX is encouraging all providers of digital identification services, as well as other organizations that will require identity verification, to contemplate the integration of mobile telecommunications data into their procedures.
In its efforts to promote digital identification for everyone, OIX has recognized the immense benefits of incorporating mobile telecommunications data during the verification process. This discovery is part of their ongoing research on fostering inclusivity in digital identification.
Described in a recently published document, OIX presents its perspective on the application of telco safeguarding methods within the framework of the UK Government's GPG45, also in relation to the validation of individuals' identities for Anti Money Laundering purposes.
Based on the OIX's findings, the current procedures for establishing a digital identification rely heavily on people possessing conventional identification documents like passports or driver's licenses, or relying on data obtained from online banking and non-bank credit accounts. Nevertheless, a significant portion of the people residing in the UK lack passports, driver's licenses, or the ability to utilize online services.
According to a study carried out by OIX, it has been discovered that a minimum of 6 million individuals in the United Kingdom face difficulties in verifying their identity. This poses a problem for them in various areas, such as the private and public sectors, as they are unable to provide sufficient proof of their identity. Consequently, these individuals are deprived of the opportunity to access the products and services that they have a rightful claim to.
OIX holds the belief that mobile telco data should be taken into account in order to expand the reach of GOV.UK One Login, the government's digital ID platform. This is particularly important for individuals who lack traditional documents, online banking, and non-bank credit accounts.
Nick Mothershaw, Chief Identity Strategist at OIX, emphasizes that mobile telco data is not highly valued in the GPG45 model when compared to data from banks, credit reference agencies, or government. Because of this, it is not currently used in the ID proofing process and has been overlooked as a source of data. However, when combined with other datasets, it becomes highly valuable and can significantly improve individuals' GPG45 scores, moving them to higher categories such as 'medium' or 'high'. This will help improve inclusivity for those in the UK population who are currently facing difficulties.
Based on OIX's findings, it is possible to verify an individual's personal information like their name, address, phone number, account duration, and activation status using mobile telecommunication company records. What sets this process apart is the capability to send a one-time code via SMS directly to the validated phone number using the telecommunication provider's system. This allows for a "dynamic" form of Knowledge Based Verification (KBV) specific to that individual.
Mothershaw stated that it is not acceptable for many individuals in the United Kingdom to still face difficulties with identifying themselves, which ultimately hinders the inclusivity of digital identification. Several actions need to be taken to address this issue, but an effective starting point would be to incorporate more datasets into the system, particularly mobile telecommunication data. This data is easily accessible and, when combined with other data sources, has the potential to immediately enhance the situation for those who are unable to verify their identity using conventional methods.
