The OfDIA’s report reveals a gap in awareness of accessibility standards among UK digital ID service providers, with over 25% unaware of the guidelines. More than half of the providers meet the WCAG 2.0 standards, though 5% do not conduct any bias testing. New measures are being introduced to enhance bias testing and the inclusion survey for improved digital identity inclusivity.
A recent report by the UK Office for Digital Identities and Attributes (OfDIA) highlights significant gaps in awareness and adherence to accessibility standards among digital identity service providers certified under the Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework (DIATF). Notably, over a quarter of these providers were unaware of the existing accessibility guidelines, which raises concerns about inclusivity in biometric systems. Inconsistencies in how biometric providers assess bias have prompted the introduction of more rigorous testing requirements in the latest framework update (version 0.4).
The OfDIA report indicates that while 54% of services claim to meet or exceed the W3C’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 (AA), 27% were not even familiar with these requirements. Various methods for assessing biometric bias include operational, scenario, and technology testing, yet 5% of providers do not conduct any bias assessments. Some respondents are unsure if testing was performed for demographic differentials, with face biometrics being the predominant method used by 92% of vendor respondents.
Internal testing based on established standards is the most common approach among providers, followed by external independent testing from accredited laboratories. Despite these methods, only 30% possess data on the accuracy levels of their technology across different demographic groups. OfDIA also announced plans to enhance the 2025 inclusion survey with new questions regarding the nature of digital identities offered and data collection practices related to service dropouts.
The deadline for completing the 2025 inclusion survey is set for March 3, and OfDIA aims to gather more comprehensive information to improve future digital identity services. These enhancements should address current shortcomings in service accessibility and bias testing, ultimately fostering greater digital inclusion across the UK.
The OfDIA report underscores the need for improved awareness and adherence to accessibility guidelines within the digital identity sector. With significant portions of service providers unaware of compliance requirements, the introduction of stronger testing protocols is essential for ensuring biometric inclusivity. Future initiatives, including more detailed inclusion surveys, are crucial for enhancing the accuracy and accessibility of digital identity systems.
Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com
