Security benefits

Protecting the delivery of welfare systems with new technologies could lead to more than secure payments says Calum Bunney.

© 2002 Calum Bunney. Calum Bunney is an independent consultant on identification technology matters. He can be reached at bunney@authentication-reports.com

Discussion of the exploitation of state welfare systems has long been on the political agenda. The exposure of systematic fraud by organised criminals as well as the effects of piecemeal individual fraud cases has encouraged some to question the basic principles of state financial provision. Within fully developed economies concerns focus on the effectiveness of state spending and delivery and the potential emergence of a social class that will exploit the state’s willingness to provide. In less well-developed economies the concerns are more fundamental, a lack of fraud protection brings into question the state’s ability to provide any support mechanisms that will stand the test of time or fulfil their stated purpose. Now the widespread trend is moving towards the requirement for proof of entitlement to be more secure against fraud, and with the emergence of new technologies, to offer services through faster, less expensive automated channels such as Electronic Benefits Transfer. The linkage of stronger authentication technologies, such as integrated chip ‘smart’ cards and biometric identifiers, has opened the door to a new generation, secure delivery channel; and has introduced new tools in fraud deterrence and detection.