Online ID name changing
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The Australian Government is set to rename its digital identity app, myGovID, to myID.
A rebranding due to roll out in mid-November seeks to address ongoing confusion between myGovID, the digital identity platform, and myGov, the centralised portal for government services.
The decision follows recommendations from the myGov User Audit, which raised concerns over user difficulties in distinguishing between the two services.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO), which manages myGovID, received $11.5 million as part of the 2023 mid-year economic and fiscal outlook (MYEFO) to deliver the rebrand.
“The rename aims to resolve confusion between the myGovID app and myGov, following a recommendation from the myGov user audit,” the ATO said in a statement.
The user audit had initially suggested a possible merger of the myGov and myGovID apps into one platform.
However, acknowledging that such a project could be costly, the audit instead recommended a rebrand to position myGovID as a distinct service.
The government has promoted myGovID as a secure method for Australians to verify their identity online, enabling access to over 150 services.
The app's new version, myID, will retain all current functionalities, including the ability to log into government services without repeatedly submitting identity documents such as passports or driver’s licences.
Existing users will not need to create new accounts; their credentials and identity verification levels will carry over automatically.
According to the ATO, myID will also be expanded for broader use, with plans to eventually include private sector services.
The ATO says the shift “reflects the community’s understanding of Digital ID” and will help to streamline digital services across more sectors.
The update will be distributed via app stores, and users are not required to take any additional actions beyond installing the update.
MyGovID currently has more than 13 million users.