The ID Code of Conduct
Women in Identity is building a global ID Code of Conduct to tackle identity exclusion - ensuring that digital identity systems are inclusive by design, and that nobody is shut out of essential services because they cannot prove who they are.
“Diversity and inclusion in identity system design is widely acknowledged as being essential for fair access to basic services, but there is little guidance available on how to achieve this. The ultimate goal of this work is a set of guiding principles and a how-to guide for ID teams to help them make bias more conscious and develop more inclusive products and services as a result.”
Dr Sarah Walton, Women in IdentityWhy we need an ID Code of Conduct
Identity exclusion prevents access to essential services and creates hidden economic and operational costs. Our multi-phase research programme explores the global landscape, human impact and economic realities — then uses that evidence to design a practical, implementable Code of Conduct.
people globally lack any form of legal ID.
of adults in developing economies cannot prove their identity.
of GDP could be unlocked by more inclusive identity systems.
ID Code of Conduct: Research Programme
Our research spans four phases — forming the evidence base for a global ID Code of Conduct.
Human impact · Economic impact · Code design · ImplementationExplore the four phases
Each phase builds on the last - exploring global trends, lived experiences, economics and ultimately the Code of Conduct principles.
Digital identity – emerging trends & debates
A global review of digital identity expansion — and the big questions this raises about privacy, surveillance and inclusion.
View Phase 1The human cost of ID exclusion
In-depth interviews in the UK and Ghana revealing how ID barriers affect real people’s access to services, stability and dignity.
View Phase 2The economic impact of ID exclusion
Investigating the micro- and macro-economic cost of exclusion — and the business opportunity in inclusive ID systems.
View Phase 3ID Code of Conduct principles
Co-creating evidence-based design and governance principles to ensure identity systems are inclusive by design.
View Phase 4Thank you to our ID Code of Conduct research sponsors
This programme is supported by our generous sponsors.
