WASHINGTON — The shift toward digital government services is reshaping how Americans interact with public institutions, but a new report from the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) warns that this transformation risks leaving behind millions of vulnerable citizens. Titled “Closing the Digital Verification Divide,” the report, authored by Dr. Michael Mandel, Vice President and Chief Economist at PPI, highlights the urgent need for inclusive identity verification processes to ensure access to government services.
The report reveals that as federal, state, and local governments increasingly digitize their services, the existing digital verification divide is becoming a significant barrier for low-income and marginalized Americans. These individuals often lack the financial and identity documents, such as bank accounts or passports, that are commonly required for digital verification. The report stresses that without targeted interventions, these populations may be unable to access critical services like unemployment benefits, tax records, and social security.
“At every level of government, we’re grappling with how to make access both effective and inclusive for Americans,” said Dr. Michael Mandel. “The digitization of government is essential for making services more efficient, but it must be done in a way that doesn’t widen the divide between those who have easy access to verification and those who don’t. This report outlines actionable steps to ensure that digital government works for every American.”
The report identifies a significant “digital verification divide” that disproportionately affects low-income Americans, rural residents, and marginalized groups, all of whom often lack the documentation required to access digital government services. One key barrier is the reluctance to adopt biometric verification due to privacy and surveillance concerns. This has resulted in the underuse of effective tools that could help bridge the verification divide. The report advocates for the responsible use of biometric systems, integrated with alternative methods like video interviews, to ensure inclusivity.
To address these challenges, the report outlines several policy recommendations. It calls for the adoption of integrated verification systems that combine biometrics with alternative approaches, such as using trusted referees to conduct video interviews for those without traditional forms of identification. It also urges government agencies to follow the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines, which balance security and accessibility. Finally, the report emphasizes the need for greater support for trusted referees, who can help individuals navigate digital verification, particularly those in low-income or underserved communities.
The report concludes that implementing these recommendations is crucial for closing the digital verification divide and ensuring that all Americans can access the services they need. By making these changes, government agencies can not only improve efficiency but also ensure broader access to digital services in the modern era.
Read and download the report here.
The Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) is a catalyst for policy innovation and political reform based in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to create radically pragmatic ideas for moving America beyond ideological and partisan deadlock. Learn more about PPI by visiting progressivepolicy.org. Find an expert at PPI and follow us on Twitter.
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Media Contact: Ian O’Keefe – iokeefe@ppionline.org
