Earlier this year, the government unveiled a new UK digital wallet, set to begin rolling out this summer. With the warmer weather upon us, many have been left wondering if there’s anything they need to know about the GOV.UK wallet before and immediately after its initial launch.
This is absolutely everything you need to know, from when it will be rolled out to what the digital wallet UK really encompasses.
The Background
The GOV.UK Wallet is one of five kickstarters outlined in the Blueprint for a more modern, digital government. In short, the UK government is looking to adopt a digital-first model to improve the lives of everyday people with digitisation.
They have set out five outcomes they expect to see from this Blueprint, with the UK digital wallet being the first step towards a more streamlined everyday for the public.
The main outcome for the Blueprint is to make the lives of the public easier. The government is aiming to deliver transparent public services that can be easily accessed and used by anyone who may need them.
So, What Is The New UK Digital Wallet?
The new GOV.UK Wallet is an optional digital wallet that will allow members of the public to store digital versions of government-issued documents to make them easy to find and access when needed.
This will also allow people to store documents like driving licenses and Veteran Cards on their mobile phones rather than having to carry physical copies on their person at all times.
However, the digital wallet doesn’t mean saying goodbye to physical cards forever. Many cards will remain in their physical form, including access cards that provide secure access control and authentication.
How Will It Work?
The UK digital wallet will be a secure app that allows you to save government documents to your phone. You’ll not only be able to save these documents, but also use them in your daily life to prove things like your age, your identity, or particular eligibility for certain services.
The digital versions of your documents will be able to be used in exactly the same way as your physical cards, meaning that as long as you have your smartphone, you’ll be able to access your most critical documents. Whilst it won’t eliminate physical identification cards entirely, it could help in a pinch especially if you forget your physical wallet.
The GOV.UK App
Alongside the wallet, the GOV.UK App will allow users to build their own homepage to quickly access the kinds of services that are most useful and relevant for them. This could include services about getting an MOT, accessing benefits or accessing childcare services.
Alongside this personalised dashboard, there will also be the option to have notifications on so that you can stay up-to-date on any open applications you may have or updates to services that are relevant to you.
But Is It Safe?
As with any sensitive information and the internet, it’s important to know your documents are safe and secure if they’re uploaded digitally. The good news is, the GOV.UK wallet is set to leverage some of the latest security features out there to keep your private information safe.
This will include having features available like facial recognition so that you are the only one able to access your documentation, even if your smartphone ends up in the hands of someone else.
As with anything on the internet, though, it is still important to make sure you’re taking precautions online - especially when sensitive information is involved. This could look like regularly changing your passwords and not clicking on any suspicious links you get sent to your mobile phone.
So What’s the GOV.UK Wallet Release Date?
We don’t currently have a confirmed release date for when the GOV.UK wallet is going to be available to the public. Whilst you can’t download or use it just yet, there are a few people who are going to be the first to access the new technology once it does completely roll out.
If you have an HM Armed Forces Veteran Card, you’ll be able to save this to your wallet first, with the license capabilities coming later. If you want to stay up to date on the latest updates in the technological space, you can contact our team at Universal Smart Cards. As experts in the smart card and access control card space, we are always up-to-date on the latest developments, including digital advancements like the new digital wallet.