PayPal service could potentially grant UK residents access to various public services
PayPal Joins UK's Identity Assurance Supplier Framework
The UK Government Digital Service has announced the addition of PayPal to the Identity Assurance supplier framework. This framework allows government departments to potentially use PayPal's login system for online public services.
PayPal is a founder member of the Open Identity Exchange (OIX), a global project to build a system of standards and governance processes for sharing identity credentials between trusted bodies. The Post Office, Experian, and Cassidian, a subsidiary of military contractor EADS, are among the other companies currently registered in the Identity Assurance supplier framework.
The Identity Assurance supplier framework allows government departments to reuse the login systems of certified ID suppliers for online public services. This scheme aims to provide citizens with a choice of identity providers, with minimal cost to the government. However, it is important to note that there is no obligation for any government department to use any of the suppliers listed in the framework.
The first government IT system to use the Identity Assurance suppliers is Universal Credit, the Department of Work and Pensions' new benefits processing system. However, the Department of Work and Pensions has not yet decided which Identity Assurance providers will be supported for Universal Credit.
The US Department of Homeland Security has the right to use PayPal's online identification systems for its public services in the future. This marks the eighth company to join the Identity Assurance supplier framework, following the Post Office, Experian, Cassidian, and five other companies.
The inclusion of PayPal in the Identity Assurance supplier framework does not guarantee that any government department will use its login system. Government departments may choose to adopt PayPal's login system for online public services in the future.
The Identity Assurance scheme, announced in 2011, was described by Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude as "little brother" in contrast to the previous government's "big brother" plan for a universal identity register. This scheme is part of the UK's efforts to improve digital services and provide citizens with a more convenient and secure way to access government online services.
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