Digital Identity

Digital Identity Programme

Enabling digital identity through the power of mobile

Our mission is to leverage mobile technology as an enabler of digital identity and associated services which provide social and commercial value in developing markets.

Proof of identity is a prerequisite to socio-economic development and essential to accessing basic services. Mobile technology is uniquely positioned to enable accessible and inclusive digital identity. The GSMA Digital Identity programme is playing a key role in advocating and raising awareness of the opportunity of mobile-enabled digital identity and life-enhancing services. Our programme works with mobile operators, governments and the development community to demonstrate the opportunities, address the barriers and highlight the value of mobile as an enabler of digital identification. Using mobile as a unique and robust digital identity for the underserved can lead to greater social, political and economic inclusion.

Our resources  Our blog posts  Capacity Building course  The Commonwealth Digital Identity Initiative 
Access to Mobile Services and Proof of Identity

The ability to prove one’s identity is essential to securing rights and access to life-enhancing services, including healthcare, voting, education, financial services, employment and social protections. Identification is also critical to accessing mobile services in one’s own name, especially in 157 countries that have implemented mandatory prepaid SIM registration policies.

Download the 2021 infographic Access to Mobile Services and Proof of Identity 2021
Find out more about our programme, our approach and the role of mobile in the foundational identity ecosystem

What is digital identity?


What is the Commonwealth Digital Identity Initiative?


What is our programme's approach?


What roles can MNOs play in accelerating digital identity ecosystems?


What is foundational identity?


This initiative is currently funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and supported by the GSMA and its members.
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