Jersey Post to deliver Gov's new digital ID

Tuesday 13 April 2021

Jersey Post has been chosen by Government to deliver a new digital ID that will be available on more devices than the current provider, Yoti.

The new system is expected to be launched by the end of June in addition to Yoti.

Yoti was selected as the Government’s platform for allowing islanders to prove who they are when accessing government services in 2018.

The free app aimed to replace the need to carry around multiple ID documents by securely storing all user information in one place, protected by both facial recognition and a pincode. 

Last year, islanders were able to complete a digital tax return for the first time using Yoti.

Pictured: Yoti has been in use in the island since 2018.

Islanders will not have to set up the new digital ID solution as they’ll be able to continue to use their existing Yoti account 

A Government spokesperson said the new solution was being developed with Jersey Post as an alternative to Yoti. Vaiie, a specialist Channel Island provider of digital regulatory technology which is part of the Jersey Post group, is supporting the project.

Islanders will be able to use a laptop, desktop or iPad to register for the new Digital ID, whereas with Yoti, users had to download an app to their smartphone.

“Yoti will continue to be available alongside the new digital ID solution,” a Government spokesperson said. “Like other jurisdictions, the Government of Jersey is seeking to provide its citizens with a choice.”

During a recent Scrutiny hearing with the Public Accounts Committee, Chief Operating Officer John Quinn said that the new digital ID would also allow people to do more things online.  

The Government spokesperson said funding for the development of the solution was included within the existing Government Plan as part of “Service Digitisation” and that more details around the costs would be released when the new digital ID is launched.