A guiding set of basic principles is imperative to ensure an inclusive approach to the development of policy, technical frameworks and systems for identity. These principles should be user centric, allowing individuals to control and consent when to reveal their own identifying information. Only with this focus will it be possible to create compelling identity enabled ecosystems that will be both trustworthy for and attractive to citizens and consumers alike.

This paper explores some existing international work on principles for identification to identify common themes, considers work from previous OIX working groups and recommends a revised set of basic principles.