news release
Nottingham, UK, 5 September 2013 — UK consumers looking to access certain public services online from 2014 will be able to choose Experian’s secure and proven ID authentication service to quickly and easily confirm their identity. The announcement follows Experian’s appointment by the Government’s Digital Service as a choice provider of identity verification for the new Identity Assurance programme. This is designed to give individuals quick and simple, real-time access to Government services without the need to provide paper-based proof of name and address.
In line with the Government’s initiative to give consumers more control over their personal information online, the new programme will offer people a choice of providers to validate their identity. Once validated through Experian, consumers will be able to set up their own password which will allow secure, quick and easy online access to public services as they become available during 2014. Being able to prove one’s identity online easily, quickly and safely is recognised as a key enabler of internet use by the Government and is part of its pledge to provide digital services that are straightforward and convenient, making them easy to use.
Experian, the global information services company, has been selected to be one of the programme’s key identity providers because of the breadth and depth of its consumer information as well as its existing capabilities in providing quick, real-time paperless identity verification in both the public and private sectors.
Caroline Thomas, Managing Director, Global Strategic Development at Experian Consumer Services, comments: “People choosing Experian as their identity provider can expect to receive quick, secure and reliable access to a range of Government services online without the need for paper-based proofs or further referrals. By using our comprehensive, proven identity verification service people can confidently validate their identity very quickly. With our track-record in implementing and delivering secure and successful identity authentication in both the private and public sector, we are well-placed to meet Government requirements and look forward to providing an easy-to-use and efficient service to UK residents.”
Initially, the identity assurance programme will be trialled in the Autumn of this year. Once up and running, from April 2014, the programme will gradually be extended across the full range of Government digital services via the www.gov.uk website.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
About Identity Assurance
Many online public services require the user to prove their identity as an early and necessary step to accessing them. The Identity Assurance Service will provide a simple, secure way for people to access public services on GOV.UK. The service is currently being prototyped and will be trialled during the Autumn of 2013. In line with the Government’s initiative to give consumers more control over their personal information online, the new programme will offer people a choice of providers to validate their identity and this will then allow them access without having to log on with a range of different user names and passwords. For more information, please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/identity-assurance-enabling-trusted-transactions
Contact:
Chantal Heckford / Maddy Morgan Williams
Lansons Communications
020 7490 8828
chantalh@lansons.com / maddymw@lansons.com
About Experian
Experian is the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical tools to clients around the world. The Group helps businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making. Experian also helps individuals to check their credit report and credit score, and protect against identity theft.
Experian plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Total revenue for the year ended 31 March 2013 was US$4.7 billion. Experian employs approximately 17,000 people in 40 countries and has its corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in Nottingham, UK; California, US; and São Paulo, Brazil.