The U.S. General Service Administration (GSA) has announced this pilot initiative, aimed at elevating Login.gov to meet Identity Assurance Level 2 (IAL2) standards outlined in the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Digital Identity Guidelines (SP800-63-3). This pilot, slated to commence next month, will be conducted in collaboration with select government agencies.While Login.gov was briefly utilized by the IRS last year for identity verification purposes, it was later replaced by ID.me due to its failure to meet IAL2 requirements, despite initial assertions from GSA officials suggesting otherwise.To achieve IAL2 compliance, which mandates either biometric or in-person identity verification, Login.gov will be fortified to enhance its defenses against fraudulent activities and cyber threats.
In the coming months, Login.gov will integrate selfie biometrics alongside in-person identity verification services available at over 18,000 U.S. Postal Service locations. Additionally, a new pricing model for agency partners will be introduced to facilitate smoother adoption.Furthermore, GSA is planning an independent assessment of Login.gov’s IAL2 compliance by Kantara to ensure adherence to the established standards.Despite its temporary setback, Login.gov remains a widely utilized platform, with a record 49 million users in 2023.
It continues to serve over 40 state and federal agencies, underscoring its significance in streamlining access to government services.In a move to bolster Login.gov’s technological infrastructure, GSA has recently contracted eight identity proofing providers for the next decade, with a cumulative value of $194.5 million. This decision follows a thorough market survey conducted late last year to identify suitable options for meeting the NIST standard.
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