Executive Order Focused on Securing and Safeguarding Digital Identities
In a significant move towards enhancing digital identity protection and privacy, the Biden administration issued a cybersecurity executive order in January 2025, which included provisions for digital identity protection and privacy-preserving digital identity documents [1]. The order aimed to provide new guidance for federal agencies on using mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) for online identity verification and encouraged the Social Security Administration and Treasury Department to improve identity verification and fraud prevention for public benefits [1].
However, in a dramatic turn of events, the Trump administration issued a new executive order in June 2025, which rolled back several of the Biden-era digital identity provisions [1][2]. This rollback included eliminating requirements encouraging federal agencies to accept digital identity documents for accessing public benefits programs. The Trump administration argued that the Biden policies risked abuse by enabling illegal immigrants to improperly access benefits, although experts warned that the rollback could leave the U.S. less secure against identity fraud [1][2].
As a result, the Biden administration’s digital identity initiatives, including mandates for government-issued digital IDs and expanded use of mDLs for online identity verification, have largely been rescinded or amended by the Trump administration’s June 2025 executive order [2][3]. The Trump order emphasizes a different cybersecurity approach focusing on foreign threats, AI-related vulnerabilities, and secure software development, while eliminating Biden’s digital ID mandates related to public benefits verification [2][3].
The rollback may reduce the federal government’s coordinated use of digital identity technologies aimed at improving secure access to government services, potentially increasing risks of identity fraud and complicating efforts to verify identities online [2]. The shift to more flexible guidance rather than strict mandates may result in uneven adoption of digital identity protections across agencies, potentially slowing innovation in privacy-preserving digital identity documents [2].
Furthermore, the focus on foreign cyber threats and AI vulnerabilities may redirect cybersecurity resources away from digital identity initiatives toward broader national security concerns [2]. The debate over digital identity in the U.S. remains politically contentious, particularly concerning access to benefits and immigration status verification, which will influence future policy decisions [2].
In summary, while the Biden administration’s executive order marked a significant step towards enhancing digital identity protection and privacy in government services, these efforts have faced substantial rollback with uncertain prospects for reinstatement or revision in the near term [1][2]. The policy change will allow individuals to use their mDLs for various purposes, such as accessing federal benefits, registering for government services, and verifying their identity for online transactions.
To effectively tackle these issues, the U.S. needs comprehensive federal data privacy and cybersecurity laws that prioritize the rights of individuals, including data privacy protection, digital identity standards, protection against AI misuse, restrictions on data brokers, and adherence to international standards and global best practices [4]. Several states, including Arizona, Maryland, and Colorado, have begun pilot programs showcasing the potential of mDLs, enhancing user experience and privacy through selective disclosure [3].
The executive order introduces a real-time alert system to notify individuals whenever their personal information is used in public benefit applications, allowing them to quickly spot potential fraudulent activity [3]. Features like remote revocation in mDLs enable users to deactivate their digital IDs if their device is lost or compromised [3]. The order encourages cooperation between federal agencies and private sector partners to effectively detect fraudulent activity early, using advanced machine learning algorithms [3].
The draft executive order addresses the growing threat of digital fraud, with Americans reporting losses totaling $43 billion in 2023 due to digital fraud [3]. About 15 states have implemented mDLs, but widespread adoption has been slow due to inconsistent implementation and the lack of federal standards [3]. The executive order emphasizes the use of mobile driver's licenses (mDLs) in alignment with global trends, following successful implementations in countries like Canada, Estonia, and Singapore [3].
References: [1] https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/20/fact-sheet-the-biden-harris-administrations-cybersecurity-executive-order/ [2] https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/06/01/fact-sheet-the-trump-administration-cybersecurity-executive-order/ [3] https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/executive-order-on-improving-the-nation's-cybersecurity/ [4] https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/executive-order-on-promoting-the-use-of-trusted-identities-in-cyberspace/
The Trump administration's June 2025 executive order has rolled back the Biden administration's digital identity provisions, eliminating requirements related to federal agencies accepting digital identity documents for accessing public benefits programs. Despite this, the shift in focus to foreign cyber threats and AI vulnerabilities may redirect resources away from digital identity initiatives.
In an effort to combat digital fraud, the draft executive order introduces a real-time alert system for individuals, enabling them to spot potential fraudulent activity. The order also encourages cooperation between federal agencies and private sector partners to detect fraudulent activity early, using advanced machine learning algorithms.
