People in UK to use Facebook login to access govt. services

PanARMENIAN.Net - People in UK will be able to use social media profiles such as Facebook to access public services online, under plans to be unveiled later this month, The Daily Telegraph reports.

Those applying via computer or mobile phone for services ranging from tax credits, fishing licenses and passports will be asked to choose from a list of familiar log-ins to prove their identity.

These will include those the applicant already uses on social media sites, banks and major retailers such as supermarkets, under the plans.

They will be used to authenticate that user’s identity and it is hoped, reduce the difficulties people face in having to remember multiple log-in details.

However, concerns have already been raised that the system could be targeted by cyber-criminals.

It is understood that the Cabinet Office has held talks with the Post Office, high street banks, mobile phone companies and technology firms such as Facebook, Google, Microsoft, PayPal and BT over the scheme.

Under the proposals, members of the public will be able to use log-ins from “trusted” organizations, chosen to appeal to as wide a demographic as possible, to access Government services grouped together on a single website called Gov.uk.

A user logging onto the site by phone would be asked to choose to select from a logo from one of the trusted brands, such as Facebook.

The user would then have to enter a Facebook user name and password, with further verification provided by the fact that he is using his own mobile phone number, as well as GPS location and additional security questions.

Facebook would then be able to send a message to the government website confirming the user’s identity.

Individual “identity provider” organizations must first convince the Cabinet Office that its security checks meet the level needed for the public service being requested.

When applying for a passport, it is expected that part of the process will be offered online but some physical ID will also still be needed.

The scheme will be trialed when the Department of Work and Pensions begins its early roll-out of its Universal Credit system in April.

A source said that the program “enables the citizen to trust and be trusted in digital transactions” and was about “giving the citizen control over their personal data and how it’s used”.