More than 2 million Australians have created a ‘myGovID’ Digital Identity to prove who they are when accessing online services, f
More than 2 million Australians have created a ‘myGovID’ Digital Identity to prove who they are when accessing online services, following the Morrison Government’s $256.6 million investment as part of the Digital Business Plan announced at last year’s Federal Budget.
Currently people can create a Digital Identity through myGovID, which is managed by the Australian Taxation Office. myGovID is convenient and easy to use, while providing the highest levels of identity security. To protect user’s identity and stop fraud, the app uses encryption and proven cryptographic technologies. myGovID also leverages the security features on a smart phone – like a fingerprint, password or facial verification – to provide intuitive, yet secure access.
Minister for Government Services Stuart Robert said the 2 million digital identities milestone demonstrates Australians are embracing Digital Identity as a better way to securely and conveniently access more than 75 digital services, like doing tax online or applying for supports like Jobseeker or Youth Allowance. It follows the announcement the Federal Government is enhancing access to the Australian Immunisation Register to support the rollout of physical and digital COVID vaccine certificates through Services Australia.
‘Digital Identity is similar to a 100-point identity check that you previously had to do in a post office or bank branch. The difference is you can now do it online, at your convenience and save a lot of time and money and stay Covidsafe,’ Minister Robert said.
‘The millions of people already using Digital Identity – with 120,000 transactions occurring via myGovID a day – demonstrate how the government is delivering on its commitment to make government services simple, helpful, respectful and transparent.’
Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and the Digital Economy Jane Hume said the benefits of myGovID, which can be used for both personal and business matters, became apparent early in the COVID19 pandemic which saw a spike in new users.
‘Australians use digital devices in every aspect of our lives, and it’s only fair that government keeps pace.’
‘Set up your Digital Identity once, and then use it across any government service online, 24/7, from any device. It saves time and hassle, and it’s also more secure.’
‘We’re taking a digital-first approach to government services. That means making it faster and easier to deal with government online – anywhere, anytime,’ Minister Hume said.
myGovID acts like a shield to help protect users from threats such as scammers who would seek to take advantage of vulnerable people and trick them into giving away critical identity details. For business owners, this also prevents people from acting on behalf of a business without permission.
In the same way you wouldn’t share your banking login details, you should never share your myGovID with anyone else.