News in Brief

Outgoing US Administration Gives Push to mDLs

In its final days, the Biden administration prepared an executive order that emphasises the use of digital identity technologies, such as mobile driving licences (mDLs), to enhance identity verification for public benefit programmes.

A draft of the order, obtained by Nextgov/ FCW, outlines a push for government agencies to adopt modernised identity solutions to combat fraud and improve online authentication.

Identity theft has been a significant challenge throughout the Biden presidency, especially during the pandemic, when the Federal Trade Commission reported a staggering 3,000% increase in fraud complaints tied to government benefits.

The draft proposes that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) issue guidance for using mDLs and electronic passports for online identity verification. Additionally, agencies with grant-making authority may provide funding to help states implement these digital identity solutions.