For verifiable credentials – or VCs – to be used safely and effectively in Australia the right balance of policy and regulatory settings needs to be achieved, as well as determining what, if any, legislative change is required.
The Government is publicly consulting on proposed Commonwealth VC policy to seek feedback from individuals, businesses and other organisations who are using, or who are looking to use, VCs in the future.
Feedback and submissions from the consultation will help inform further VC policy development.
To learn more and provide your feedback visit the Have Your Say page on this website.
What is a verifiable credential?
VCs are a digital representation of a traditional physical credential – often an official document or plastic card that we carry with us – that allow you to verify something about yourself, something you are allowed to do, or a qualification you might hold.
Common examples of credentials include driver licences, passports, proof of age/photo ID cards, university degrees, trade qualifications, or security passes to access a place of work.
Many credentials are provided by Australian governments at all levels and can be issued digitally in near real-time, securely stored on your phone or other device, and carried with you to use where and when you need. VCs can be independently verified and, with the consent of the holder, can be presented to a third party to prove that the credential is genuine.
VCs are designed to protect people’s privacy and to ensure that the holder of the VC is always in control of how it is used.
