Digital ID Needs Protection Against ‘Mission Creep’: Researchers

Australia’s proposed digital identity bill should include safeguards against “mission creep,” legal researchers suggest. Independent scholars based at the UNSW Allens Hub have raised potential issues with “voluntary co-option” into the digital identity system. The Digital ID Bill 2023 (pdf) is a legislative framework for a digital ID to connect to government services and eventually businesses. Australians can already voluntarily opt into a digital ID to connect with MyGov, Centrelink, and the Australian Tax Office (ATO). However, the legislation broadens this scope so the service extends to other federal departments, state and territory governments, and eventually, the private sector. In a submission to the Senate inquiry (pdf), scholars at the Allens Hub highlighted the need for the Australian identity to include protection from “mission creep” in the future....