Phase 1
Digital Identity: Emerging Trends, Debates & Controversies
This phase explores how digital identity systems are expanding globally and what this means for inclusion, surveillance, privacy and citizenship.
What this phase explores
This phase of the research focuses on the emerging field of digital identity. It reviews key trends, debates and controversies, exploring how identity systems are expanding globally and what this means for inclusion, surveillance, privacy and citizenship.
- Map global developments in digital identity systems.
- Interrogate the risks of surveillance and exclusion.
- Surface the big questions for policymakers and industry.
What we found
Our analysis shows that while digital identity has the potential to unlock opportunity and prosperity, it can also deepen existing inequalities if badly designed. Exclusion, surveillance risk and lack of transparency are recurring themes across global deployments.
Over 1.1 billion people worldwide still lack legal ID. Digital systems can help close that gap, but without inclusive design they may exclude the very people they are meant to serve. The research highlights the need for safeguards around data use, clear accountability and meaningful ways for people to challenge decisions made about them.
Full Phase 1 report
Dive deeper into the evidence behind our findings, including the key debates shaping digital identity and the implications for inclusive design and policy.
Download nowBy sponsoring this research, you help build an ID Code of Conduct that ensures digital identity systems are inclusive by design. Your support enables deeper research, broader engagement and practical tools the whole ecosystem can use.
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