Deloitte, Attest collaborate to build blockchain-based identity management solutions for governments

“Big Four” accounting firm Deloitte is collaborating with Chicago-based startup Attest to bring blockchain benefits to government clients for addressing digital identity challenges.

Founded in 2018 by Cab Morris and Jennifer O’Rourke, Attest is an ID management company that enables consumers, businesses and governments to securely transact on a shared identity platform. Its platform allows governments to offer a convenient and secure identity service to citizens at no or with low costs; consumers to regain control of their digital footprint and unlock the value of their personal data; and businesses to extend "government-grade trust" to all transactions with consumers.

Forbes reported that Morris and O’Rourke incubated the company within a World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) working group. They have also formed a technical partnership with web 3.0 solutions platform Digital Bazaar to develop the government ID solution.

Wendy Henry, managing director, Deloitte Consulting LLP, and Deloitte's government and public services blockchain leader, noted that while many companies are looking at using a personal wallet in which the individual has control of their digital identity credential, government are required to serve every citizen, including those who may not be able to accept the control of their identity credential in a digital form.

"Working with Attest, we will be able to help government clients offer solutions using digital identities that better accommodate the needs government has across that wide expanse of abilities,” Henry said.

According to the official release, Attest's user-centric digital identity platform consists of two products:

• Attest Wallet: A consumer application that provides a secure and efficient way for consumers to manage and share personal data with governments and businesses.
• Attest Enterprise: A user-centric identity management toolkit for governments and businesses providing a complete set of powerful authentication, authorization and consent management tools.

"We are excited to work with Deloitte to bring blockchain-enabled technologies such as decentralized identifiers and verifiable credentials to government,” Morris said.

“Combining government's robust identity verification infrastructure with a platform engineered for security, privacy and scale can also unlock tremendous value for both citizens and businesses outside of government. A government-issued digital identity has the potential to reduce costs and risk for businesses in all industries, while also providing citizens with greater security, privacy and control over personal data."