How to Verify Identities in a Complex Data Landscape

Government agencies must be able to accurately identify people and organizations to perform their most essential functions — delivering benefits, preventing fraud, enforcing sanctions, and more.

However, this task isn’t as simple as it may seem – as agencies attempt to create an accurate picture of a user, they must do so by comparing multiple sources, each with its own limitations. Let’s take a closer look at some of the potential challenges in identity verification.

Data about each of us is recorded in many places. Government agencies have multiple data sets for individuals, organizations, vehicles and vessels, which can involve billions of data points.

Agencies must bring those disparate sources together and reconcile the details. However, that’s complicated by several factors: Michael may be recorded as Mike, or Mike and Mike Jr. may share an address. Shell companies can obscure the ownership of an enterprise. Foreign addresses may refer to local landmarks rather than streets.

Processes must be explainable, transparent, and protect privacy. When data is used to approve or deny benefits or enforce regulations, agencies must demonstrate that the process they used was accurate and fair. At the same time, much of the information may be personal or confidential and requires secure handling.

One answer to these potential challenges? Entity resolution software that’s purpose-built to pinpoint identities accurately, in real time. This report, How to Verify Identities in a Complex Data Landscape, offers advice on what to look for in entity resolution software, best practices to implement, and use cases.