Service NSW to adopt face biometrics

The NSW Government has revealed plans to introduce photo verification technology as a method for allowing residents to prove their identity online while accessing digital government services.

The state government is engaging with industry to ascertain the best way to safely and securely implement photo biometrics, according to Service NSW CEO Damon Rees.

“Photo verification will enable millions of customers to complete government transactions anywhere, anytime or authenticate themselves using a photo verification login,” he said.

“This will provide customers with greater accessibility to government services, especially customers with a disability, time poor customers and those in rural or regional areas who are unable to or experience difficulty attending Service NSW centres.”

The technology will match a photo the customer takes of themselves with a reference photo, such as a driver’s licence. Selfies and verification data will be instantly destroyed as soon as the images are matched.

Residents will be required to opt in to the use of photo verification and will be able to opt out at any time, Rees said.

Customers will also be able to control what information they choose to share, and will be able to choose to access government services in person instead at Service NSW Centres.

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