New podcast episode with David Kelts from Decipher Identity + this week's reusable ID news

In this episode of The Future of Identity Podcast, I’m joined by David Kelts, a leader in digital identity and mobile ID initiatives, with a career that spans significant contributions across multiple companies and initiatives worldwide. David's insights shed light on the journey of mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs), the evolution of identity verification, and his current role at Decipher Identity, where he’s tackling adoption challenges and working with businesses to expand use cases for digital identity. 

We explore:

• David's early work at Idemia, including pioneering efforts in connecting driver’s licenses to online identity proofing.
• The origin and adoption challenges of mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) and why adoption has lagged behind expectations.
• Privacy concerns surrounding digital IDs and the misconception of "phone home" tracking in mobile identity, along with how privacy regulations are influencing this space.
• The role of standards organizations and government agencies, like AAMVA and TSA, in fostering privacy and security in digital credentials.
• The future vision for digital identity, including the potential for digital-native identity credentials, cross-border use cases, and the value of user choice in secure digital wallets.

David also shares stories from working directly with states like Utah and California on mDL projects and reflects on what’s needed for broader adoption. This episode is a deep dive into the evolving landscape of digital identity and is perfect for anyone interested in the future of authentication, privacy, and user-centric identity solutions.

Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube, or find all ways to listen at trinsic.id/podcast.

Reusable ID News and Announcements

North Macedonia is launching a new digital ID wallet that will include electronic versions of ID card and driving license. California hosted a second hackathon to showcase government use cases with mDL acceptance. They also announced that over 830,000 Californian’s now have an mDL, 130,000 more than their announcement the month prior. Uber and CLEAR announced a partnership representing a major brand embracing the concept of digital ID acceptance by allowing people to use their CLEAR account to verify themselves on Uber.

North Macedonia launching digital ID wallet, mDL

“North Macedonia has launched a mobile app that will host the country’s digital identity wallet, allowing citizens to store an electronic version of their ID cards and driver’s licenses. The ELI app will allow users to identify themselves while using digital services. It will also be connected to government services portal.gov.mk which is preparing for a redesign, according to Deputy Minister for Digital Transformation Radoslav Nastasijevic Vardziski.”

DMV hosts second community hackathon to facilitate additional public sector uses for mobile driver’s license

“The California Department of Motor Vehicles today is co-hosting the second community hackathon to increase acceptance of California mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs). Today’s daylong event in Sacramento highlights 12 selected teams that include more than 40 participants representing public sector entities, who propose to add secure and privacy-protecting digital identity into their customer experience.”

Uber and CLEAR partner to enhance rider verification program nationwide

“Uber riders can now get the "Verified" badge even more easily through a new partnership with CLEAR, the secure identity company known for powering trusted experiences. The badge, part of Uber's rider verification process, was designed to show drivers that riders on the platform underwent additional verification steps.”

Thanks for reading!