Australians may soon be able to ditch physical IDs, using a QR code on their phones to get a “digital thumbs up” for ID checks when accessing nightclubs or checking into hotels.
The new scheme, named the Trust Exchange (TEx), aims to revolutionise how people verify their identities and credentials using official information already held by the federal government.
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Minister for Government Services, Bill Shorten, introduced this initiative at the National Press Club today.
The concept involves scanning a QR code with your phone, which then sends a “digital token” to the venue, confirming the individual’s identity.
According to the government, the venue will only receive the personal information you consent to share, and it won’t retain that data.
Additionally, a record of what individuals shared will be available in their myGov wallet.
“You choose which information to share from your digital wallet and consent to its use,” Mr Shorten said.
He says the data held by TEx will be secure.
“People want stuff that works and doesn’t stress them out. The privacy approach, an important issue,” he added.
“I know it’s still a bit of an abstract concept, but once it’s in place, TEx will have countless exciting applications,” Mr Shorten explained.
Mr Shorten also highlighted the potential benefits of the TEx system in his speech.
He explained that the new system would eliminate the need for people to hand over physical documents, such as driver’s licences or passports, in situations like booking a hotel room.
“It has the potential to give Australians control of their data that will rival what is considered the gold standard, the General Data Protection Regulation in Europe.”
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