Scalable Expansion on the Horizon for Austroads’ Digital Trust Service

Australians are on the verge of a significant leap in digital identity verification with the launch of the beta version of the National Digital Trust Service (DTS) by Austroads. This innovative system will allow individuals to prove their identity both domestically and internationally for various applications, including driving licenses. Developed in partnership with identity technology firm MATTR, the DTS offers a secure framework that ensures the authentication of mobile driver licenses (mDLs) issued by Australian states and territories. Recent testing has confirmed that the system is scalable for nationwide implementation, marking an important milestone in Australia’s digital identity infrastructure.

The DTS is built to comply with the internationally recognized ISO 18013 standard, a benchmark already widely adopted in Europe and the United States. This alignment ensures that Australia’s mDLs meet global expectations for privacy, security, and interoperability. On June 21, 2024, all Australian states and territories, alongside the Commonwealth, agreed to adopt this common standard, signaling a unified national effort to develop a robust and privacy-preserving digital identity system. As part of this initiative, mDLs are currently in various stages of rollout across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia, with plans for broader adoption in the near future.

Geoff Allan, Chief Executive of Austroads, underscored the significance of this advancement by emphasizing that the DTS provides relying parties with the confidence that mDLs are issued by legitimate authorities and adhere to international standards. Allan noted that within the next 18 months, the goal is to fully integrate all states and territories into the system, ensuring a uniform and secure approach to digital driver licenses across Australia.

To demonstrate the capabilities of the DTS, Austroads hosted two major international events in October 2024: the Identity and Verifiable Credentials Summit and the 10th International Interoperability Test Event. These gatherings attracted over 450 participants, including representatives from the European Commission, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), major Australian banks, and leading identity solution providers. During the events, participants conducted more than 350 tests, showcasing how mDLs could seamlessly function across international borders, validating the system’s ability to support global interoperability.

Ian Grossman, President and CEO of AAMVA, praised the DTS for uniting best practices from North America and Europe, highlighting its potential to deliver superior outcomes both domestically and internationally. The successful validation of mDLs across three continents, including through U.S. Department of Homeland Security biometric verification systems at airports, underscored the system’s readiness for real-world application. Donnie Scott, CEO of Idemia, lauded the achievement, emphasizing that Austroads and AAMVA are laying the groundwork for a global digital identity framework.

The DTS is not only about security but also about enhancing convenience. Florent Tournois, a leader in the European Union’s POTENTIAL program, highlighted the system’s ability to improve online security, reduce fraud, and simplify everyday interactions by allowing users to perform tasks with just their mobile phones. Austroads also demonstrated the use of wireless payment devices to verify proof of age without exchanging personal data, adding a critical layer of privacy protection. Claire Barber, CEO of MATTR, emphasized that businesses can utilize existing infrastructure to adopt this technology, ensuring a cost-effective and seamless integration.

Looking ahead, Austroads is committed to working closely with government agencies and industry stakeholders to refine and expand the system. Geoff Allan expressed a desire to collaborate with industry associations, such as the Pharmacy Guild and Accommodation Australia, to ensure the system is practical and widely adopted. He stressed the importance of industry involvement, noting that the true value of verifiable credentials lies in their widespread acceptance and use.

In summary, the National Digital Trust Service represents a transformative step in Australia’s digital evolution, prioritizing privacy, security, and global interoperability. By embracing cutting-edge technology and fostering collaboration across sectors, Austroads is positioning Australia as a leader in digital identity innovation. This advancement promises to enhance convenience, bolster security, and set new standards for how identity verification is conducted, both nationally and internationally.