Australian Taxation Office Adds iProov Liveness Detection to Digital myGovID System

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is adding facial verification to its myGovID digital identity platform. The new utility will use iProov’s Genuine Presence Assurance technology to allow residents to use their faces to gain access to various government services.

To use the new system, eligible residents will be asked to scan their faces using a mobile device. Subsequent scans will then be compared to that original template to verify that person’s identity when using online government services, including health services and tax returns. iProov’s Genuine Presence Assurance solution offers passive liveness detection to prevent spoofing, and was selected at the end of an open tender process. In that regard, a face-based digital identity system was a key component of Australia’s COVID-19 response.

The iProov system is device agnostic, which means that it is compatible with smartphones from any manufacturer, as long as the model has a sufficient camera. The government of Australia is hoping that the improved myGovID platform will encourage more Australians to participate in the digital economy.

“iProov is honored that the Commonwealth of Australia has entrusted us to secure the creation of digital identities against impersonation,” said iProov CEO Andrew Bud. “We are delighted that the Australian government has chosen our unique combination of inclusivity and resilience, which is already trusted by governments worldwide to authenticate citizens.”

iProov’s liveness detection technology has previously been integrated into Singapore’s SingPass digital ID platform. The company has also provided liveness detection for the US Department of Homeland Security, which is using the technology in a border screening pilot.

NHS and the UK Home Office are some of the other government entities that have adopted iProov’s technology. In the meantime, the Australian document recognition specialist IDV Pacific Pay has partnered with iProov to facilitate remote onboarding and help Asia Pacific companies comply with the latest Know Your Customer regulations.

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March 16, 2021 – by Eric Weiss