UK Digital Identity Trust Framework Gamma (0.4): What You Need to Know
On 1 July 2025, the UK Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework – Gamma (0.4) comes into force. This update builds on the alpha and beta versions and aims to deliver a secure, transparent, and inclusive digital identity ecosystem across the UK. 1
Why the Trust Framework Matters
The framework sets the rules organisations must follow to be certified as trustworthy digital verification services (DVS). Certification creates consistency and confidence for businesses, government, and individuals by aligning with principles of privacy, transparency, inclusivity, interoperability, proportionality, and good governance. 1
Key Updates in Gamma (0.4)
- New roles now certifiable: holder service providers (digital wallets) and component service providers (e.g., biometrics).
- Fraud management is strengthened with audits, whistleblowing policies, and data-sharing with relying parties.
- Inclusion reporting is expanded; services should work for diverse users, not only those with traditional IDs.
- Identity repair rules support victims of identity theft to reclaim their rightful identity.
- Privacy & biometrics: clearer expectations on lawful processing, user understanding, and fair biometric performance across demographics.
Certification and Compliance
- Certification is performed by OfDIA-approved, UKAS-accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs). 1
- Certificates are valid for three years with annual surveillance audits and re-certification before expiry.
- Services must align to GPG 45 (identity proofing/verification) and GPG 44 (authentication credentials). 1
- Transition: Alpha (0.2) certifications expired in August 2024; Beta (0.3) remain valid until 31 March 2026 unless uplifted earlier. 1
- Certified services may apply to the public register of digital identity and attribute services. 1
What This Means for Consumers
- Greater security through tougher fraud rules and clearer accountability.
- More transparency about how data is processed, stored, and shared.
- Better recovery paths for identity theft victims.
- Inclusivity for people without traditional documents.
- Control & reuse via holder services (digital wallets) to share only what’s needed.
Commentary: Implications for Digital Investigations
Opportunities
- Stronger audit trails across verification and attribute creation.
- Fraud intelligence sharing between providers and relying parties.
- Identity repair pathways create clearer victim support.
- Consistency from certification reduces ambiguity in provider conduct.
Challenges
- Multi-provider ecosystems complicate accountability chains.
- Component reliance means investigators may need to assess third-party modules (e.g., biometrics).
- Privacy vs access: tighter privacy may limit non-statutory data requests.
- Evolving fraud tactics target weaker links; controls must adapt continually.
Case Study: Investigating Identity Fraud Under Gamma (0.4)
Scenario: A bank uses a certified identity service provider (ISP) for onboarding. A fraudster opens an account using a synthetic identity.
- The ISP records components used (e.g., biometric liveness), confidence levels per GPG 45, and fraud checks applied.
- When fraud emerges, investigators follow the structured audit trail to see roles involved, where controls failed, and how alerts were handled.
- Responsibility can be assigned more clearly, while the victim is routed into formalised identity repair processes.
Visual Summary: Flow of Roles in the Gamma (0.4) Framework
