In India and China, similar systems have eventually expanded, posing a risk to civil liberties. This has raised potential concerns with Australia’s proposed digital identity bill, with independent scholars at the UNSW Allens Hub urging the bill to include safeguards against “mission creep.” The Digital ID Bill 2023 is a legislative framework that aims to create a digital ID to connect to government services and, eventually, businesses. While Australians can already opt into a digital ID to access MyGov, Centrelink, and the Australian Tax Office (ATO), the proposed legislation seeks to broaden the scope of this service.
Scholars at the Allens Hub have highlighted the need for the Australian identity to include protection from “mission creep” in the future. They fear that the broadening scope of the service could lead to “creeping expansion” and could create anxiety around recognition and possible exclusion of people. The group has pointed to issues with the current Australian proposal, noting that exemptions are available for the Digital ID to be voluntary. In a submission to the Senate inquiry, scholars at the Allens Hub underscored the need for additional “future-proof” safeguards surrounding the national DI system.
Not only that, the scholars have also cautioned against the reliance on biometric technology to verify identity under the digital identity system, stating that the promise of accurate verification remains “largely unverified and untested.”
The Digital ID Bill is currently under inquiry by the Senate Economics Legislation Committee, which has received 97 submissions regarding the matter. Moreover, advocacy group Digital Rights Watch has warned that the digital ID system should not be transformed for surveillance or law enforcement purposes.
While proponents like federal Finance Minister Senator Katy Gallagher argue that the digital ID will be voluntary and under the control of individuals, others, like One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts, have raised concerns about the bill inadvertently tying every Australian to a digital identity that unlocks services necessary for life. And regardless, the Senate Committee is likely to report back on the findings regarding the bill on February 28th.