Centralised identity systems use one IdP as a single source of truth 57 WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM | 2016 KEY ARCHETYPE FEATURES •A single IdP holds all user attributes and owns the identity system; this is often the government or another central governing body •The IdP authenticates the user to the RP and transfers either a fixed or a tailored set of attributes to the RP to enable it to complete a transaction on behalf of the user •Some systems require RPs to pay a fee to use the system and to gain access to user attributes •Identity information can be transferred directly through a physical form factor (e.g., a smart card) or through a digital brokerage system In centralised identity systems, a single entity acts as an IdP that authenticates users to RPs and transfers their attributes. These systems are often designed to streamline service delivery, enable data aggregation and provide a single view of users across multiple RPs. DigID Government programme, Netherlands DigID is a digital authentication system for Dutch residents who are accessing government services online. Individual attributes are held in a national citizen registry; these attributes are used to authenticate users when they apply for a DigID. Individuals can then use their DigID username and password to authenticate themselves to government agencies. Their national identifier number is transferred from the national citizen registry to the RP. CENTRALISED IDENTITY CASE STUDIESPopulation Registry Government programme, Finland The Population Registry is a national database that is owned and maintained by the Finnish government. The government acts as the IdP, transferring attributes to public and private RPs. The purpose of the system is to collect data that can be used for elections, tax filing, judicial administration, etc. Private RPs may also access this data if they pay a fee and have received user consent.
