Digital identity is often talked about — but rarely understood in practical terms.
In this episode of Transform Gov, Maeve Kneafsey speaks with Marie Wallace, Managing Director and Global Lead for Digital Identities at Accenture, about what is broken in how we prove who we are today — and what is changing.
From repeatedly filling out forms to sharing far more personal data than necessary, Marie explains why current identity systems are no longer fit for purpose — and how digital wallets and selective data sharing could transform how citizens access services.
This conversation focuses on:
In Part 2 we explore the economic impact and what this means for Ireland.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to digital identity and control of data
01:12 What digital identity actually means (and why it’s broken)
02:14 Why sharing too much data is a problem
03:02 Marie’s background in AI and data privacy
04:07 Why centralised data creates risk
06:18 AI, deepfakes and the growing identity challenge
07:50 Designing better identity into public services
09:11 Why identity isn’t reusable today
10:02 Public concern around biometrics and data
11:09 Breaking down silos between public and private services
12:27 The real problem: forms, friction and delays
13:26 What governments need to build (trust + wallets)
14:57 Trust frameworks and verification explained
16:27 EU regulation and what happens next
17:47 Who owns identity in this model
19:13 Efficiency and cost impact (part 2)
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