RealMe, the government developed identity platform, is now offering biometric authentication and identity assurance technology as part of its RealMe Now mobile app.
Daon's IdentityX platform was selected by the Department of Internal Affairs’ (DIA), which manages the RealMe development program, to allow customers to create an online verified identity using the app.
Identity is verified through a selfie photo captured in the RealMe Now mobile app, which is then compared against the customer’s passport photo, held securely by the DIA in the passport image database.
If the match is successful and the customer passes the face liveness challenges, the application will be checked by staff from the DIA and then the customer is issued a RealMe verified identity.
“The Department of Internal Affairs is committed to putting people first – we’re focusing on what people need from the government and how to better meet those needs using emerging technologies,” said David Philp, general manager of partners and products at DIA.
RealMe Now was developed by Auckland-based SushMobile.
Earlier this month, it emerged that the online version of the service, RealMe, was facing security challenges of its own, with immigration advisers sharing their logins in breach of their terms of service.
Applying for the RealMe verified identity has previously required a New Zealand PostShop visit for face image capture using Daon’s retail outlet desktop software in order to complete the on-boarding process.
With the assistance of IdentityX's machine learning technology, citizens can now simply and securely accomplish identity verification from anywhere and at any time.
“The Department of Internal Affairs is laser-focused on providing convenient and secure digital on-boarding services for New Zealand’s citizens," said Tom Grissen, CEO of Daon.
"Our strategy remains being committed to delivering a platform through which the identity of a user can be established, authenticated and recovered.
"Digital onboarding represents an important area and builds on Daon’s history of delivering proven mobile biometric authentication to millions of consumers."
Kiwibank, DIA’s delivery partner for the mobile app, has begun using RealMe Now during bank account establishment, removing the need for prospective customers to visit an outlet for identity proofing.
