In a world where online scams and data breaches are now daily threats, digital identity brings the promise of improved security and greater convenience. Both NSW and the Australian Government have commenced rolling out Digital ID as a way for people to verify their identity and access services online.

However, there are also risks which come with the poor design and implementation of these systems – especially for the privacy of people’s biometric data and sensitive personal information. These risks can be compounded when digital identity is used to make decisions that affect people’s legal and similarly significant rights.

This presentation will explore:

what digital identity is
how digital identity is being rolled out around Australia
the key opportunities and risks posed by digital identity
the safeguards needed to improve useability and trustworthiness

About your presenter Lauren Perry

Lauren manages major HTI projects, including the Facial Recognition Technology Model Law Project and digital government services projects. She also delivers training in responsible AI and is a co-author of the 2022 report, Facial recognition technology: Towards a model law. Lauren’s areas of expertise include human rights, facial recognition, digital identity, age assurance, and the social and organisational implications of new technologies. Lauren completed her Masters in Public Policy in 2022 with a research dissertation on ‘Improving interorganisational collaboration for the development of AI policy in Australia.’

Prior to joining HTI, Lauren worked at the Australian Human Rights Commission in research, project and policy roles across the Human Rights Scrutiny and Disability Rights Team. From 2018 to 2020 she worked on the Human Rights and Technology Project, undertaking research and co-ordinating the national consultation and public engagement for the Project. In addition, Lauren worked on projects related to freedom of religion, disability employment rights, and safeguarding the rights of people in all forms of detention.

In 2021, Lauren established the AHRC's IncludeAbility Employee Network, connecting some of Australia’s largest public and private sector employers who are committed to increasing employment opportunities for people with disability. Lauren was a founding member of the UTS Young Alumni Committee, and currently serves on the UTS/UNSW Trustworthy Digital Society Advisory Committee and ACCAN/Vision 2020 Right to Digital Accessibility Working Group.