New Zealand's DIA launches identity app

The New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is using Daon’s IdentityX Platform for its digital onboarding mobile app, RealMe Now, which enables customers to create an online verified identity.

RealMe gives customers a single verified identity credential to securely prove who they are with participating New Zealand Government services and other private sector services online.

Applying for the RealMe verified identity has previously required a New Zealand PostShop visit for face image capture using Daon’s retail outlet desktop software.

Now, in a New Zealand first, the RealMe Now mobile app enables a customer to simply and securely accomplish identity verification by taking a selfie photo.

The photo captured in the mobile app is compared against the customer’s passport photo, held securely by DIA in the passport image database.

If the match is successful and the customer has passed the face liveness challenges, then the application will be checked by staff from the DIA and the customer is issued with a RealMe verified identity.

As the selfie photo is compared to a trusted source passport photo, there is no need for the client to scan an identity document.

Kiwibank, DIA’s delivery partner for the mobile app, has commenced leveraging RealMe Now during account establishment, removing the need for prospective customers to visit an outlet for identity proofing when opening a new account.

“The Department of Internal Affairs is committed to putting people first — we’re focusing on what people need from the government and how to better meet those needs using emerging technologies,” said David Philp, General Manager Partners and Products.

“It’s about doing things differently in this changing digital environment, and transforming the way we provide our services. This contributes to New Zealanders engaging with an open, transparent and inclusive government.”

Daon’s digital onboarding platform offers active and passive liveness challenges using technology such as machine learning, distributed across both mobile device and server platform within a comprehensive spoof detection system.

The platform’s console enables the human review of selected cases and also facilitates case audit.

The platform’s security mechanisms enable clients to achieve significant defence against spoof attacks including digital and physical face masking.

RealMe Now is currently available on iPhone 5s and above.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Péter Mács

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