Digital Identity An Emergent Legal Concept

A new legal concept of identity. As transactions once based on personal relationships are increasingly automated, it is inevitable that our traditional concept of identity will need to be redefined. This book examines the functions and legal nature of an individual's digital identity in the context of a national identity scheme. The analysis and findings are relevant to the one proposed for the United Kingdom, to other countries which have similar schemes, and to countries like Australia which are likely to establish such a scheme in the near future. Under a national identity scheme, being asked to provide ID will become as commonplace as being asked one's name, and the concept of identity will become embedded in processes essential to the national economic and social order. The analysis reveals the emergence of a new legal concept of identity. This emergent concept and the associated individual rights, including the right to identity, potentially change the legal and commercial landscape. The author examines the implications for individuals, businesses and government against a background of identity crime.