MCLEAN, Va., Nov. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ID.me,
the leading secure digital identity network used by 64 million
individuals, today announced the launch of an in-person identity
verification solution in partnership with Sterling Check Corp.
(NASDAQ: STER) ("Sterling"), the leading provider of background
screening and identity services. The New Jersey Department of Labor
and Workforce Development is the first government agency to utilize
the new service, which allows individuals - even those without a
mobile device or dedicated internet access– to verify their
identity at retail locations across the
United States. New Jersey
requires identity verification to obtain unemployment
benefits.
During the pandemic, unemployment reached 14.8% - the highest
rate observed since data collection started in 1948, according to
the Congressional Research Service. At the same time,
the Federal Trade Commission reported identity theft tied to
government benefits increased by 2,920%. Given the dual imperative
to serve those in need while providing strong security, ID.me and
Sterling developed in-person verification to augment digital
verification options.
"In-person verification moves ID.me closer to realizing our goal
of 'No Identity Left Behind.' We are punching through deeply
embedded structural barriers to meet people where they are and to
push the edge for access closer to all individuals," said
Blake Hall, founder and CEO of
ID.me. "Combined with our self-serve online and video chat
processes, today's in-person launch establishes the first secure
and omnichannel identity verification process in America."
Robert Asaro-Angelo, Commissioner
of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development,
noted his agency's focus on making sure all residents can access
benefits.
"We have been focused on delivering equity and
accessibility for all New Jersey
residents since day one, and this is another tool that allows us to
continue with that mission," Asaro-Angelo said. "Enhancing our
ability to verify individuals through ID.me with the addition of
in-person channels enables us to more effectively reach those who,
for whatever reason, had trouble doing so online without
compromising trust and security."
ID.me and Sterling have been on the ground for months
fine-tuning this solution with NJDOL, followed by recently
completed, successful user testing.
"Sterling is thrilled to partner with ID.me in expanding secure
identity verification and proofing and to provide availability for
those without a mobile device or dedicated internet access," said
Josh Peirez, CEO of Sterling. "Our
industry knowledge, innovative technology and relationships with
more than 47,000 clients, paired with ID.me's services allow us to
increase access to a verified identity."
Sterling's Identity Network spans more than 650 retail
facilities in neighborhoods across the U.S., offering background
and identity services to a range of companies, including many of
the nation's largest financial institutions. Individuals benefit
from having access to in-person identity verification in their
local communities assisted by trained technicians.
A. McNair, a property manager in New
Jersey, was able to complete her verification in person at a
retail location close to her home. "The in-person identity
verification process was quick and convenient," said McNair, who
started receiving benefits after visiting the in-person
location.
All potential unemployment claimants must verify their identity
before they can receive benefits, per federal law. Verifying the
identity of the person applying for benefits is required, and ID.me
performs this service for NJDOL. Eligibility for benefits is
determined separately.
ID.me partners can purchase the new in-person identity
verification offering to help expand access to secure, easy-to-use
identity verification. Once an individual verifies their identity
in person, they will never need to verify again. They can then use
their ID.me credentials to gain access to other government and
commercial services.
Sterling and ID.me are collaborating on additional solutions to
strengthen and speed identity verification. The two companies are
incubating concepts and working with early customers to make new
solutions available in the coming months.
To learn more about ID.me's in-person identity verification
vision, visit https://bit.ly/inpersonverification
About ID.me
ID.me simplifies how individuals prove and
share their identity online. The ID.me secure digital identity
network has 64 million members with over 145,000 new subscribers
joining daily, as well as partnerships with 27 states, multiple
federal agencies, and over 500 name brand retailers. The company
provides identity proofing, authentication and group affiliation
verification for organizations across sectors. The company's
technology meets the highest federal standards and is approved as a
NIST 800-63-3 IAL2 / AAL2 conformant credential service provider by
the Kantara Initiative. ID.me is the only provider with video chat
and is committed to "No Identity Left Behind" to enable all people
to have a secure digital identity. To learn more,
visit https://www.ID.me/.
About Sterling
Sterling — a leading provider of
background and identity services — offers background and identity
verification to help over 47,000 clients create people-first
cultures built on a foundation of trust and safety. Sterling's
tech-enabled services help organizations across all industries
establish great environments for their workers, partners, and
customers. With operations around the world, Sterling conducts more
than 89 million background checks annually. Visit us at
sterlingcheck.com/.
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/idme-and-sterling-launch-in-person-identity-verification-service-to-streamline-access-to-government-services-nationwide-301428993.html
SOURCE ID.me