It is clear that high assurance identity on the internet is going to require identity proofing. With more than 1 Billion Web users, and 3 Billion mobile users increasingly connected to the Internet, scalability is going to be essential. If high assurance identities become the norm, digital identify verification services that do not require in-person proofing could therefore turn into a significant market opportunity

Most folks in the industry would tell you that credit bureaux, and financial institutions ought to be primary beneficiaries as the new business emerges. However, the convergence of Internet, mobile and telecommunication driven by iPhone and Android could attract new market players. Mobile network operators (MNOs) have a wealth of identifiable data about us. They are also uniquely positioned to bring to market multi-channel solution. In fact, an MNO-operated ID proofing service could easily support voice and web, for brick and mortar as well as online service...