Award

Utah’s State-Endorsed Digital Identity: Preserving Rights in a Digital Age

Executive Summary

State of Utah CIO Alan Fuller has been instrumental in the creation of Utah’s state-endorsed
digital identity (SEDI) program, representing a pioneering shift in the national dialogue regarding
digital rights and civil liberties. SB260 passed in the 2025 legislative session with clear
guardrails for a digital identity system and instructions to research and return with
recommendations. SB275 passed in Utah’s 2026 legislative session, accepting the recommendations and
authorizing the implementation of the state-endorsed digital identity program.

By adopting a policy-first methodology, the state engaged in extensive consultations with local,
national, and international stakeholders, supplemented by direct community feedback from town halls
and association meetings. This collaborative effort culminated in the implementation of the
nation’s first digital identity bill of rights. While additional work remains, this framework
ensures that as Utah rolls out its digital identity program, the protection of residents’ rights
remains the central priority.

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