Executive Order by Biden Emphasizing Reinforcement of Cybersecurity and Safeguards for Digital Identities
The Biden administration's recent executive order on digital identity and mobile driver's licenses (mDLs) is set to revolutionize identity verification processes, addressing security, privacy, and efficiency concerns. Although specific details about a standalone order focusing solely on digital identity and mDLs are not directly available, related policy shifts and cybersecurity directives provide valuable insights into the potential impacts.
Security
The executive order is likely to prioritize enhancing cybersecurity measures around digital identity, including mDLs, through proactive vulnerability identification, patching, and interagency coordination on incident response. This approach aligns with federal efforts to incorporate AI and software vulnerabilities management as core elements of cybersecurity, suggesting digital identities and mDL systems would be similarly protected from compromise.
Privacy
The use of mDLs generally includes privacy protections such as keeping biometric data localized on the device and employing cryptographic proof rather than transmitting sensitive images or raw data. The Biden administration’s digital identity initiatives likely advocate for decentralized architectures that give users control over their data and prevent vendor lock-in, as seen in proposed federal task forces and pilot programs recommended for American digital ID advancement.
Efficiency
Digitally authenticating identity through mDLs can streamline numerous processes, such as travel, age verification, and public benefits access, reducing paperwork and speeding up verification steps. However, the success of these efficiencies depends on interoperability standards and widespread adoption encouraged through federal pilot programs and coordination among agencies and states.
The executive order mandates federal agencies to accept digital IDs, including mDLs and electronic passports, for verification in public benefit programs. It also promotes technologies that enable selective disclosure, allowing individuals to verify specific attributes without revealing unnecessary personal details.
Addressing Privacy Concerns
Data brokers collect, analyze, and sell personal information to third parties without the individual's consent, leading to privacy violations. The executive order addresses this issue by introducing a real-time alert system for individuals to quickly spot potential fraudulent activity in public benefit applications. It also calls for stronger secure software development practices to address vulnerabilities in third-party software used by federal systems.
Guidelines and Interoperability
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will issue guidelines on secure digital identity practices, focusing on data minimization, tracking prevention, and interoperability. The order emphasizes the importance of creating interoperable digital identity systems, ensuring that digital IDs issued in one state can be recognized and accepted in others.
Global Trends and Implementations
The executive order's emphasis on mDLs aligns with global trends, following successful implementations in countries like Canada, Estonia, and Singapore. Several states have begun pilot programs showcasing the potential of mDLs, such as Arizona, Maryland, and Colorado. Agencies such as the Department of Transportation and the Treasury Department will provide funding for state programs for mDL adoption.
Enhanced Security Features
mDLs offer enhanced security features, such as encryption and remote revocation, making them less vulnerable to theft or forgery. The order also mandates regular security assessments for open-source software to address vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, the Biden administration’s executive order on digital identity and mDLs appears designed to increase security through proactive vulnerability management, enhance privacy via decentralized and user-controlled digital ID architectures, and improve efficiency by standardizing and piloting interoperable digital identity solutions across federal and state entities. These efforts collectively aim to build a resilient, trustworthy digital identity ecosystem that benefits individuals and government services alike.
[1] White House. (n.d.). Executive Order on Improving the Nation's Cybersecurity. Retrieved March 24, 2023, from https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/05/12/executive-order-on-improving-the-nation-s-cybersecurity/ [2] White House. (n.d.). Memorandum on Establishing the United States Government's Policy on Promoting Competition in the American Economy. Retrieved March 24, 2023, from https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/07/09/memorandum-on-establishing-the-united-states-government-s-policy-on-promoting-competition-in-the-american-economy/ [3] White House. (n.d.). Memorandum on Securing the United States' Cyberspace to Ensure American Security, Prosperity, and Safety. Retrieved March 24, 2023, from https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/05/12/memorandum-on-securing-the-united-states-cyberspace-to-ensure-american-security-prosperity-and-safety/
Cybersecurity Policy and Legislation: The Biden administration's initiatives in digital identity and mobile driver's licenses (mDLs) address concerns about security by promoting proactive vulnerability management, enhancing federal efforts in AI and software vulnerabilities management, and mandating regular security assessments for open-source software. (Security, technology, policy-and-legislation)
Data-and-Cloud-Computing: The executive order supports decentralized digital identity architectures that give users more control over their data while advocating for interoperability standards and partnerships among federal agencies, states, and private sector actors to achieve seamless data exchange and reduce vendor lock-in. (Data-and-cloud-computing, general-news)
Politics and General News: The executive order's emphasis on mDLs is part of a larger trend towards digital identity solutions, with successful implementations in countries like Canada, Estonia, and Singapore, and state-level pilot programs underway in the United States. (politics, general-news)
