Facebook accounts could be used as proof-of-identity for UK online services

Facebook accounts could be used as a proof-of-identity for online services in the UK as part of a centralised portal for government services.

According to reports in The Guardian, the UK’s Cabinet Office has confirmed that “trusted non-government organisations”, potentially including banks, internet providers or social media services, will be able to verify user’s identity for online access to government services.

The verified identities will allow users to login to the government’s gov.uk portal, where users will be able to gain online access to online government services such as applying for welfare benefits or passports.

The Cabinet Office claims the scheme will allow users to avoid the privacy and security raised by the centralised government identity database proposed as part of the previous Labour government’s national identity card scheme.