The use of “trusted” digital identity software to verify your identity online in the UK became legal on 1 December.
The measures contained in The Data (Use and Access) Act, which came into force in June. came into force this year, introducing a formal and legally enforceable set of governance standards and rules that all certified digital verification service (DVS) providers must comply with.
The move is intended to provide the public with confidence when using certified digital identity applications through a framework that shows providers are considered trustworthy.
The legislative regime is also likely to underpin the UK Government's plans to national digital ID scheme announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in September and is due to go through a consultation phase early next year.
The legislative system formalizes processes that have been operating on an experimental basis for some time. DVS tool providers must meet government requirements. Structure of digital identities and attributes (DIATF) and related codes that add additional specifications for use cases such as checks for the right to work or the right to rent.
Once certified, suppliers will be included on a statutory register and will be able to use the trust mark to confirm their compliance to potential users. Currently, 48 DIATF-certified DVS providers have applied to join the registry.
“This regime of standards, governance and oversight helps ensure that the public can trust the digital verification services offered under it in the UK,” John Peart saidCEO of the Digital Identity and Attributes Authority (OfDIA), which oversees this structure.
Critical time for digital identity
The move comes at a critical time for digital identity in the UK. Suppliers were stunned by Starmer's announcement of a national digital identity scheme. this will become mandatory for right to work checks by 2029. Many in the industry feel that this national scheme undermines all the work and investment they have put into developing applications and achieving regulatory compliance.
Today (2 December 2025), representatives of DIATF certified DVS providers meet with Darren Jones, Principal Secretary of Starmer, who has taken over political ownership in Cabinet for the digital ID plan.
Last week's autumn budget showed that Government has committed £1.8 billion to develop a national schemewhich many providers argue is an unnecessary expense since they already provide applications that can provide right to work checks and other services as part of the government's offerings.
“[Government] proposes to add £1.8 billion of new costs to create a system that duplicates DVS,” said Adrian Field, director of market development at digital identity provider OneID. I'm writing on LinkedIn.
“Is this the best use of taxpayer funds? [The] The private sector has proven that identity services can be provided much more efficiently and at a much lower cost – why not use more efficient and effective services?”
The meeting with Jones took place after industry representatives have requested formal cooperation under a government scheme.
The Association of Digital Verifiers wrote open letter Jones to ask for a meeting to propose a cross-sectoral forum to “maintain clarity and coherence” around the digital identity scheme, noting that the government's communications about its policy make no mention of the DIATF regime.
“For more than ten years, with cross-party support, the UK has developed Trust Framework for Digital Identity and Attributes is a voluntary model that protects individual rights, allows government to regulate, and allows industry to innovate,” the letter states.
“It is unclear whether the goal is to create a new national digital ID stored in certified private wallets, a single ID stored exclusively in Gov.uk Wallet access from certified DVS providers (current plan) or something completely different. Each option represents a fundamentally different social and economic model. This uncertainty threatens market stability, discourages investment, and weakens trust throughout the digital ecosystem, not just in government.”
An online petition against the introduction of a digital ID in the UK has received almost three million signatures, with many DVS providers are privately outraged by government proposals.
In June 2025, deputies of the Internal Affairs Committee began an investigation into the introduction of new forms of digital ID cards. At a hearing last month Mandatory digital ID could pave the way for increased mass surveillance, MPs warned and digital exclusion, and will fail to realize Starmer's proposed benefits of reducing illegal migration or preventing people from working illegally.
