Definitions
Digital identity terms, defined
Every technical term on this site, defined in plain English before it is used anywhere else. No jargon without an explanation.
Identity documents
Verification and proofing
What is digital identity verification? Digital identity verification is checking online that a person is who they claim to be. How it works, how it differs from a password check, and what a service should actually receive at the end. What is digital identity proofing? Identity proofing is the work of establishing, to a defined level of confidence, that a claimed identity is real and belongs to the person presenting it. What proofing means, and why proportionality belongs inside it. What is document verification? Document verification checks that an identity document is genuine and belongs to its presenter. The checks involved, what a document verification system does, and where the approach stops working. What is biometric identity verification? Biometric identity verification uses a physical trait — face, fingerprint or iris — to confirm a live person matches an identity. What it checks, on-device versus cloud, and its honest limits.
Wallets, cards and services
What is a digital identity wallet? A digital identity wallet is an app that holds your verified identity claims and keys, and lets you prove things to services without handing over documents. What it stores — and what it never stores. What is a digital identity card? A digital identity card puts identity credentials on a phone instead of plastic. What the term covers, how it differs from a wallet and a digital licence, and what Australia actually has. What is a digital identity service? A digital identity service helps people prove who they are online — wallets, verification providers, registries and trust frameworks. The four jobs such services do, and what to look for in one.
Looking for a longer answer?
The guides go deeper on methods, age verification and the Australian landscape. The frequently asked questions cover the service itself, and the insights section argues the architecture in full.