Australia’s Minister for Government Services and the NDIS, Bill Shorten, has recently highlighted significant advancements in the myGov app, alongside the introduction of a groundbreaking .4 million proof-of-concept for the national digital trust exchange, TEx. These developments have garnered attention, particularly for their potential to reshape interactions between Australians and their government.
Sign-ins with myGov app now account for more than 30%
Shorten reported that the myGov app has reached a remarkable milestone, with 5.6 million users contributing to over 122 million sign-ins in the past 18 months. This surge in usage underscores a transformative shift in how Australians engage with government services.
“The myGov app now accounts for more than one-third of the 864,000 average daily sign-ins to myGov, with over half utilizing biometric security features such as fingerprint or facial recognition,” Shorten noted. He also emphasized the recent addition of passkeys, which facilitate secure passwordless logins, enhancing user convenience and security.
In addition, the ministry has made strides in its digital wallet initiative, incorporating digital DVA white and gold veteran cards. “Since December 2022, more than 1.5 million digital items have been added to the myGov wallet, viewed over 3.4 million times,” Shorten stated. He envisions the myGov wallet becoming increasingly integral as new avenues for utilizing verified government credentials are explored.
Despite previous challenges with fraud, Shorten expressed optimism regarding myGov’s security enhancements. “We’re on the right path with the security and fraud detection improvements already funded as part of the Budget,” he affirmed, referencing a substantial allocation of 0 million over four years for ongoing security upgrades.
Google among organizations consulting on TEx
During a recent address at the National Press Club in Canberra, Shorten elaborated on the digital trust exchange, currently in its proof-of-concept phase, with plans for a full rollout by year’s end. He described TEx as a solution to the cumbersome process of verifying identity when engaging with services like banking or real estate.
“TEx will connect the bank or telco or real estate agent with your digital wallet, allowing you to share only the identity attributes or credentials you choose,” he explained. Notably, industry giants such as Telstra and Google have expressed interest in contributing to TEx’s development.
TEx tells mDLs: this wallet ain’t big enough for the both of us
The introduction of TEx has shifted the landscape, sidelining previous plans to integrate mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) into myGov. Shorten views this as a significant enhancement over earlier proposals, which he described as merely a digital image of a card shared across various applications.
“TEx will achieve the outcome of the card swap and much more,” he asserted, emphasizing the government’s intent to develop the system primarily in-house. Users will have the freedom to choose their preferred digital wallet for storing verifiable credentials, with participation being entirely voluntary.
This national digital trust exchange aligns with the Albanese government’s broader digital ID strategy, which includes myGovID, already utilized by over 10 million Australians. Shorten pointed to recent data breaches as a catalyst for change, advocating for a system that minimizes data collection and sharing across the economy.
Critics want more detailed information, cooperation with private sector
However, not all stakeholders are as enthusiastic about TEx’s prospects. Following the announcement, some critics have called for greater public consultation and expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of its ambitious digital ID goals. Cyber Safety Solutions founder Susan McLean highlighted a significant gap in the government’s communication about TEx, noting, “There is very little detail being provided about the backend, about what it is, how it works, and what sort of safety and security settings it might have.”
Others have labeled TEx a potential “honeypot,” while opposition voices, such as shadow government services minister Paul Fletcher, advocate for increased collaboration with the private sector to foster innovation. Fletcher emphasized the need for government to leverage digital technology for more efficient operations.
Public trust in government in shambles after Robodebt, says prof
Perhaps the most pressing concern regarding the trust exchange scheme is the issue of public trust. Toby Murray, an associate professor of cybersecurity at The University of Melbourne, pointed to the Robodebt scandal as a significant barrier to public confidence in government technology. “Success will depend on a crucial factor: public trust,” he stated, urging the government to provide clear assurances about the security and handling of sensitive information within the TEx framework.
Murray stressed the importance of transparency in explaining what data will be collected, who will have access, and how it will be safeguarded, as these factors will be critical in determining the system’s acceptance among Australians.
