DIACC

Digital Identification & Authentication Council of Canada

A non-profit coalition that brings together leaders from both the public and private sectors to advance digital identity frameworks and authentication standards in Canada. Its mission is to enable a secure, privacy-enhancing, and interoperable digital identity ecosystem that empowers citizens, businesses, and governments to participate safely in the digital economy.

Purpose and Role

DIACC plays a central role in shaping how identity is managed and regulated in Canada. Its primary objective is to ensure that individuals and organizations have access to trusted, user-centric digital identity solutions that can be used across industries and jurisdictions. Unlike isolated identity programs, DIACC promotes a standards-based, federated approach, where others can recognize credentials issued by one trusted party.

The Pan-Canadian Trust Framework (PCTF)

One of DIACC’s most significant contributions is the Pan-Canadian Trust Framework (PCTF). This framework establishes the principles, rules, and technical guidelines that underpin a trustworthy digital identity ecosystem in Canada. It defines how digital identity providers should operate, how credentials should be issued and verified, and how privacy, security, and inclusivity should be protected. The PCTF serves as a benchmark for compliance and helps organizations align their systems with national standards.

Key Principles

DIACC’s work is guided by principles that ensure the identity ecosystem remains inclusive, interoperable, and citizen-first:

• User Control and Consent: Individuals must have control over their personal data and be able to provide informed consent before it is shared.
• Privacy and Security by Design: Identity solutions must embed privacy and security protections into their core architecture.
• Interoperability: Systems must work seamlessly across provinces, industries, and even international borders.
• Transparency and Accountability: Organizations participating in the digital identity ecosystem must be accountable for how they handle identity data.

Regulatory Influence

While DIACC is not a government regulator itself, it functions as a key standards-setting body that influences regulation and policy. Canadian regulators and policymakers often align with DIACC’s frameworks when developing national strategies for digital identity. Its collaborative approach ensures that private sector innovation and public sector oversight are balanced in building a trusted ecosystem.

Though DIACC is focused on Canada, its frameworks and standards have gained international attention. The PCTF is often compared to global digital identity initiatives such as the European Union’s eIDAS Regulation and Australia’s TDIF (Trusted Digital Identity Framework), positioning Canada as a leading player in digital identity innovation.