YuTru Scheme review and update
The YuTru Scheme review and update have been ongoing since 2024. During this period, many economies globally implemented Digital Identity solutions, and momentum picked up on multiple use cases. However, concerns arose around DATA privacy & security, and many countries pulled down or re-assessed models, frameworks, policies, and regulations governing Digital Identity Infrastructure. Globally, trust frameworks and digital identity infrastructure undergo continuous research and development to identify best practices to deploy, whilst other countries deploy technology first, followed by regulations. Many technology providers re-designed platforms to address data privacy and security.
Similarly, YuTru has been monitoring and studying the market since its inception in 2018 with funding from DFAT through ABT. The project had great certainty and was right for the market, following APEC 2018. To date, the lack of regulation has affected the project’s implementation, particularly within the financial (banking) sector, as the targeted use case. To address this gap, YuTru focused on developing a trust framework to govern the use of digital identity within the financial (banking) sector. YuTru conducted an extensive mapping exercise of trust frameworks of countries (with more mature digital economies) within our region to compare against the structure and design of the YuTru Scheme (trust framework). The exercise revealed a common practice for Governments to shift the responsibility for managing and running such initiatives to the private sector. Comparably, Digital Identification Bureau Ltd (“DIBL”) maintains the YuTru scheme as a private-sector-led trust framework for Digital Identity in PNG and potentially, the Pacific region.
The purpose of the YuTru Scheme is to guide the responsible use of technology in PNG’s developing digital economy and protect customer data. The YuTru Scheme offers pathways for redress with business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-customers (B2C) digital ID transactions, addressing matters arising from potential fraud and identity theft. The YuTru Scheme offers cost savings to scheme members as a shared service, removing the burden of investing in expensive digital ID infrastructure individually. With advancements in AI and the expansion of threats in the cybersecurity landscape, understanding these technologies through the lens of trust frameworks such as the YuTru Scheme provides comfort to businesses and customers.
Despite early setbacks, YuTru contributed voluntarily towards policy guidance at public forums and through engagements with the Business Council of PNG, as members of the Technical Working Group. YuTru also acknowledges the Government’s recent investment through the Department of Information & Communications and the implementation of the Sevis Pass and Sevis Wallet as DPIs.
With current developments in policies and regulations, YuTru has re-examined our current private-sector-led trust framework model and updated its rules to reflect updated policies and global standards, while contextualising it for Papua New Guinea. Through an extensive review process and work with our partners in the UK, the YuTru Trust framework is ready for socialisation and ongoing update through private sector reviews.
YuTru conducted its first closed-panel review at the end of last month to evaluate the rules that govern how participants in the YuTru Scheme integrate and securely share customer data based on the concept of Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) and decentralized attributes. Appreciation is extended to the panel of experts for being really professional and sincere with each feedback, which consequently determines the final version to be socialised over the coming weeks.
This vital phase of socialisation will be a structured process designed to ensure all stakeholders are aware of the importance of institutionalising a framework that fits the Papua New Guinea business environment and empowers citizens to adopt technology with responsibility and trust.
The successful adoption of the refined YuTru Trust Framework will constitute a direct and substantial investment by YuTru as a business, and additionally, a contribution to enhancing the national digital infrastructure. It is a crucial and decisive step toward establishing a secure, compliant, and progressively thriving digital economy.
If you are interested in knowing more about this, reach out to our team at info@yutru.org.pg