The UK government has announced plans to launch a digital wallet app that will allow citizens to store their government-issued documents on their smartphones. Government sources say that the app will store digital copies of paper-based documents like driving licenses. 

For the UK, this is a significant shift towards a more digital and secure way of managing personal identity. The GOV.UK Wallet, set to launch later this year for Android and iOS devices. They claim that the wallet will give users more control over their data. Make it easier to prove eligibility for welfare benefits and purchase age-restricted products, like alcohol or cigarettes.

Using on-device security

The app will be secured by advanced smartphone features like Face ID to restrict access. It is hoped that this will not only boost security but also make it easier to use.

Initially, the GOV.UK Wallet will only support veteran cards for former military personnel. A pilot program will roll out later this year, adding support for mobile driver’s licenses. If these early trials are successful, all UK government services are expected to offer digital alternatives by 2027.

Reinventing the wheel?

Given that both Apple Wallet and Google Wallet already offer secure digital ID storage, such as driving licenses, plans for an all-new app raises questions. Why not use existing technologies to perform the same task, helping to reduce costs for the taxpayer?

One possible reason is that Apple’s approach to data storage and security may not align with the UK government’s requirements. While Apple Wallet does offer a secure way to store digital IDs, it relies on the user’s device being connected to the internet at all times, which could raise concerns about data breaches. Apple’s preference for privacy may also be at odds with government goals.

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Making life easier for citizens

The benefits of this new app are clear. No longer will citizens have to wait for physical versions of their identity documents to arrive in the mail or risk losing them. With GOV.UK Wallet, users can access their documents immediately, reducing the risk of identity theft and making it easier to prove eligibility for welfare benefits.

But the impact goes beyond just personal convenience. The new digital ID system has the potential to transform the way citizens interact with government services. Users will be able to cancel a stolen passport or apply for welfare benefits from their phone, without having to visit a physical office for instance.

The launch of the GOV.UK Wallet marks an exciting new chapter in the digital ID revolution for British citizens. While Apple Wallet and Google Wallet may not have been adopted by the UK government, the desire to make life easier for citizens is admirable. It will be interesting to see how the app performs in during testing.