ITIF-美国数字身份之路（英）

itif.org The Path to Digital Identity in the United States ASH JOHNSON | SEPTEMBER 2024 Digital IDs are a more convenient, secure, and versatile option than physical IDs, but few Americans currently have one. With the right investments and collaboration between federal and state governments, Americans could realize the full potential of digital IDs. KEY TAKEAWAYS  A well-designed digital ID is more convenient, secure, privacy-protective, and usable than a physical ID.  Countries around the world have started offering digital IDs since the advent of the 21st century, taking many different approaches to digital identity that the United States could learn from.  Currently, 12 states offer mobile driver’s licenses, a type of digital ID, and have faced challenges such as interoperability, accessibility, usability, and trust.  The few federal efforts at a national digital identity system have resulted in only limited progress toward that goal.  To ensure that all Americans have access to well-developed digital IDs, the federal government should coordinate a nationwide effort to promote digital ID development, implementation, and use. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION FOUNDATION | SEPTEMBER 2024 PAGE 2 CONTENTS Key Takeaways ................................................................................................................. 1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 2 The Case for Digital Identity ............................................................................................... 3 Digital Identity Trends ....................................................................................................... 4 The Current Patchwork ...................................................................................................... 7 Mobile Driver’s Licenses ................................................................................................. 7 Challenges .................................................................................................................. 10 Efforts at a National Standard .......................................................................................... 12 NIST Digital Identity Guidelines .................................................................................... 12 National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace ..................................................... 12 Improving Digital Identity Act........................................................................................ 13 The Future of Digital Identity ........................................................................................... 14 Endnotes ....................................................................................................................... 16 INTRODUCTION The overwhelming majority of smartphone-owning Americans live their day-to-day lives with the world virt