Services Australia has announced that more than two million people have created a myGovID digital identity to prove who they are when accessing online services.
Minister for Government Services, Stuart Robert said the Agency’s figures showed Australians were embracing digital identity as a better way to securely and conveniently access more than 75 digital services.
“It follows the announcement that the Federal Government is enhancing access to the Australian Immunisation Register to support the rollout of physical and digital COVID vaccine certificates through Services Australia,” Mr Robert said.
“Digital identity is similar to a 100-point identity check that you previously had to do in a post office or bank branch. The difference is you can now do it online, at your convenience and save a lot of time and money and stay COVID safe,” Mr Robert said.
Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and the Digital Economy, Jane Hume said the benefits of myGovID, which could be used for both personal and business matters, became apparent early in the COVID-19 pandemic with a spike in new users.
“Australians use digital devices in every aspect of our lives, and it’s only fair that Government keeps pace,” Senator Hume said.
She said setting up a myGovID began with downloading the myGovID app from the App Store or Google Play.
“Enter your details, including your name, date of birth and email address,” Senator Hume said.
“Prove who you are by verifying your identity documents, such as your Australian driver’s licence, passport or Medicare card. Your information is automatically checked against existing Government records for a speedy process.”
She said myGovID acted like a shield to help protect users from threats such as scammers. For business owners, it also prevented people from acting on behalf of a business without permission.
Details on how to sign on for myGovID can be accessed at this PS News link.