The future of digital identity solutions: what does it mean?

When asked what digital identity solutions are, we can see they have something to do with how we are perceived in the digital world. How should they be used? What is the future of digital identity solutions? Let’s analyze it in the following post.

What is digital identity?

Let’s delve a little into different dictionaries and reference websites. In that case, we will find that the definition of digital identity is the information about an individual, organization, or electronic device that exists online.

In this way, we can certify that the digital identity (also known as identity 2.0) is the online version of the physical identity. In the digital case, this identity is formed through the data that we ourselves have been publishing on the Internet:

• Personal data.
• Shared images of our hobbies and leisure time.
• Likes through ‘likes’ to publications, news, etc.
• Even our opinion about restaurants, stores, etc. (through platforms such as Google Review, TrustPilot, etc.).

Based on this, the big question we ask ourselves is whether the digital identity faithfully represents the real identity of each person, and the answer is clear: never 100%.

Data and identity

We can find as many examples of digital data and identity as there are people in the world. And there is no specific digital identity profile that is better than another. Many profiles have been generated at the business level with less commercial success. It is always depending on the audience to address this identity.

We must be clear about the objective we are looking for with our presence in the virtual world. Having made this reflection, we can provide a series of recommendations to create a digital image or reputation that serves as an example at a social level. These are listed below.

Specialization is the key

Unless your digital identity aspiration is to become a ‘troll’ (a profile that seeks to polemicize by publishing provocative or out-of-place messages), the key is to position yourself and specialize in a subject you are passionate about. Whether you are an individual, an institution or a company, it is advisable to create quality content -that makes a difference- on a topic that interests you or that you master.

The same can be said about the channels to use. There is no point in being on all the social media networks or platforms in the world if you do not stand out in at least one of them. Focus your digital identity on a niche, and the chances of being relevant will be greater.

Digital identity and security

The future of digital identity shows a much brighter picture regarding the security of our data. In any case, although there are many initiatives underway to improve it, it is best to keep in mind a series of tips. 

Personalization is fine; giving personal data is not

We must distinguish the digital identity from the real one. Therefore, it is best never to show personal data such as physical addresses (unless we are a company), personal documentation, or even personal email (you can always create one associated with your brand or image). 

On the other hand, in a digital profile, it is always advisable to reflect your values as a person or entity. This way, it will generate empathy in the people you connect with or relate to digitally. Hence the tricky balance between being approachable and giving too many personal details. 

Privacy first

Although this point is closely related to the previous one, we must differentiate between the fact of not giving data willingly and the fact that they are stolen. An oversight, an open session in a public place or a password that slips into a social network can ruin our reputation or that of our institution. Not only that, but they could also gain access to our secure passwords, bank details and transactions, cell phone, etc.

It is essential to keep a watchful eye on this aspect and configure all the privacy options digital tools offer. We must also be aware of the wi-fi networks we connect to and the security (or lack thereof) of these networks. 

The digital identity market: how are you positioned?

Digital identity is something that, for better or worse, can evolve over time. For this reason, reviewing your perception of yourself in the digital identity market is advisable.

To do this, it is handy to search for your business or personal brand terms using search engines such as Google or Bing. The first results you find will be the ones that define you for all those people who search for you in this way.

It is also advisable that you run a small audit on your social networks every so often. Keep them updated and in line with the image you want to convey at all times. 

Digital identity solutions for proctoring

As discussed throughout the post, identity can be constructed without corresponding to reality. In any case, what is done under that digital identity has (or at least should have) repercussions in real life. 

And is that a person in the real world who is looking for a job through digital tools should have a digital identity that demonstrates and is reliable to his reality.

And the same for a student who is taking an online exam. These are cases in which we must verify that both identities coincide in the same person.

How can we protect our digital identity in an online process?

The answer is simple: with digital identity solutions for proctoring, and SMOWL can be one of those. Thanks to our artificial intelligence facial recognition technology and our verification solutions, we can corroborate that the person taking an online test or a job interview is the same person as in reality. In short, their two identities match and can be certified as a match. 

If you need one of these tools or want to test how it works in case it could be interesting to implement it in your processes, do not hesitate to contact us, and we will provide you with a free demo of SMOWL.