Utah officials are examining a state-approved digital ID for online identity verification, framed as a measure to enhance “privacy” and “security.” The initiative aims to provide residents with a state-endorsed credential stored in a digital wallet, allowing them to verify their identity without traditional documents.
Chris Bramwell, Utah’s Chief Privacy Officer, emphasized that the system would empower individuals to control their digital identities. “You control your identity. You should control your digital identity,” he stated, highlighting potential uses such as preventing fraud and ensuring authenticity in online interactions. Bramwell also raised concerns about risks faced by children online, citing instances where adults impersonated peers to target minors.
The proposal includes safeguards against surveillance, with Bramwell explicitly ruling out tracking or profiling. “We are very concerned about tracking and surveillance coming out of other countries and states around digital identity,” he said. Utah plans to test the technology before implementation, with no set timeline for adoption.
The state already issues mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) using biometric technology from companies like GET Group and FaceTec. The new system, termed the State-Endorsed Digital Identity (SEDI), would expand on existing features, allowing parents or guardians to act on behalf of children or vulnerable adults. Security measures include decentralized data storage to mitigate breaches.
Critics question whether the initiative will truly protect privacy, given its reliance on digital infrastructure. Meanwhile, Utah lawmakers continue refining legislation to address concerns about data safety and individual freedoms.
