Digital identity credentials development gets a boost from U.S. Department of Homeland Security

13-07-24

The global race to develop digital identity credentials is gaining momentum, with the United States making significant strides in this area. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science & Technology Directorate (S&T) has recently contracted six startups to create digital credentials, which could revolutionize cross-border travel and other applications.

The selected companies—Credence ID, Hushmesh, Netis d.o.o., Procivis, SpruceID, and Ubiqu—have each been awarded approximately $200,000 for the initial phase. They stand to receive up to $1.7 million across four phases under the Silicon Valley Innovation Program managed by S&T.

These startups are tasked with developing privacy-enhanced digital wallets specifically for travel and immigration purposes.

Nick Price, founder of Netsys Technology and co-chair of the Hospitality & Travel Special Interest Group at the Decentralized Identity Foundation (DIF), noted that the DHS has been advancing digital identity solutions for years. He praised this initiative as a positive development for the travel and tourism sector.

“This announcement from DHS Science & Technology demonstrates clear progress towards a practical digital identity with the necessary tools for its use,” Price stated.

Anil John, technical director of S&T’s Silicon Valley Innovation Program, emphasized the importance of these developments. “DHS is the authoritative issuer of key credentials for cross-border travel, employment eligibility, residency status, and citizenship. The new capabilities will ensure secure storage and proper verification of these credentials while maintaining individual privacy, using globally accepted, highly secure, and accessible standards,” John explained.

In parallel, the European Union is advancing its digital identity initiative. A new regulation effective from May mandates that all EU member states offer at least one EU Digital Identity Wallet to all citizens and residents by 2026, aimed at facilitating cross-border travel and other uses.