Towards a trusted national identities framework

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to present a qualitative study on implementation of trusted identity management systems. Identity management and assurances in developing countries generates a lot of controversy and challenges for society and this study was set out to design model for trusted identities framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Trusted identities framework from a societal perspective is a multi‐stakeholder issue and hence a qualitative research method was deemed appropriate given that it provides opportunities for engagement of stakeholders from different avenues. The use of a stakeholder forum offered a good opportunity for interested parties to raise their issues and get responses. The interviews were also a means of getting clarifications and also offered those not comfortable in public speaking to make their point.

Findings

The study made the following interesting findings: that trusted identities depend on institutional collaboration, user empowerment, system quality, information quality and service quality. Also the paper found out that when high privacy concern is associated with low levels of trust (distrust) and for that matter, society must strive for trusted identities ecosystems, which is the point where trust and privacy concern are at equilibrium as illustrative with the privacy concern – trust curve (PCTC).

Research limitations/implications

Even though this study makes profound revelations on trusted identities framework, the findings have not been tested empirically to prove the nature of the relationship. It will be interesting to find out whether the relationship between privacy concern and trust is a straight‐line or indeed a curve. Also it will be interesting to find out the extent of causality between institutional cooperation and trust.

Practical implications

The study has both practical and research implications. The findings can influence national policy making with respect to identity management, by focusing more on empowerment and institutional cooperation on interoperable technologies, standards and regulation. It also serves as an addition to the existing research on information systems success.

Originality/value

The PCTC curve is a major addition to literature on trust, privacy and identity management. The study will be of value to identity management researchers and identity management policy makers in developing countries.

Citation

Kwame Adjei, J. (2013), "Towards a trusted national identities framework", info, Vol. 15 No. 1, pp. 48-60. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636691311296200