Users to be able to sign into public services using social media in near future
Members of the public will be able to sign in to apply for services such as tax credits and passports using log-ins already used for social media sites or banks under plans to be unveiled later this month, it has been revealed.
It is hoped that the system will help authenticate users, with the person having to choose a ‘trusted brand’ logo such as Facebook, enter their Facebook user name and password, with further verification provided by the fact that he is using his own mobile phone number, as well as GPS location and additional security questions.
Facebook would then be able to send a message to the Government website confirming the user’s identity, although it has been suggested that this system could be targeted by cybercriminals.
It was suggested in the Telegraph that the scheme will be trialled in April when the Department of Work and Pensions begins its early roll-out of its Universal Credit system.