As digital identity (ID) systems gain traction globally, businesses are navigating the challenges and opportunities these technologies present. Regula, a leading developer of forensic devices and identity verification (IDV) solutions, commissioned a study through Forrester Consulting to understand how companies across different regions and industries perceive, implement, and strategize for digital identities. 

1. Awareness and Understanding

• High Awareness: 81% of large and enterprise-level companies in sectors such as Aviation, Banking, Government, IT, and Telecom are aware of digital identity technology. Nearly half of these companies possess a thorough understanding of it.
• Advanced Digital Infrastructures: Countries with advanced digital infrastructures and regulatory frameworks, coupled with high frequencies of customer online interactions, are leading in digital ID adoption.

2. Implementation Status

• Global Integration Rates: Currently, 42% of organizations worldwide are actively integrating digital ID technologies, while 31% are in the early stages of implementation. Another 17% are developing strategic plans for integration.
• Regional Disparities: The United Arab Emirates leads with 54% of businesses in active integration, whereas stricter regulatory regions like the US and Europe show lower integration rates (37% and 39%, respectively).

3. Strategic Approaches and Challenges

• Hybrid Approach Necessity: Forrester experts highlight the need for a hybrid approach to digital IDs due to the complexities and varying global implementation landscapes.
• Lack of Universal Standards: There is no universally accepted global standard for digital IDs, making interoperability, security, and privacy major concerns. International organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) are working towards establishing these standards.

4. Strategic Insights

• Frameworks and Guidelines: The active implementation phase in many companies underscores the growing need for comprehensive frameworks and guidelines to ensure digital ID systems' interoperability and security across borders and sectors.

Quote from Regula's CTO

"The complexities and disparities of global implementation across various landscapes highlight the strategic necessity of adopting a hybrid approach to digital IDs. Several international organizations and standards bodies are working towards frameworks that foster interoperability, security, and privacy. This seems to be a case where slow and steady wins the race," said Ihar Kliashchou, Chief Technology Officer at Regula.

Upcoming Webinar for More Insights

Regula will host a webinar with experts from the European Telecommunications Standards Institute to discuss the survey findings and the future of digital ID. Interested parties can register to join the live discussion.

Methodology

The survey was conducted in January 2024 by Forrester Consulting. It included 226 manager-level and higher decision makers responsible for their organizations' ID verification solutions, primarily from Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Respondents were from companies with at least 500 employees.

Contact Information:

• Media Contact: Amy Angelini, alangeli@us.ibm.com
• Webinar Registration: Join the Live Discussion

This study highlights the critical role of digital identities in modern business operations and the importance of strategic planning and international cooperation in their implementation.