The UK is entering a new era of digital identity, with mandatory age checks on the horizon and secure ID wallets gaining traction. These developments carry important lessons for CROs as they look to streamline recruitment, strengthen consent processes, and build trust with participants.
Platforms like Spotify, X and Reddit are already adjusting to new age-verification rules designed to protect younger users and create safer online spaces. This shift is part of a wider global trend, with governments pushing digital services to adopt more reliable and privacy-focused verification methods. At the same time, tech companies are moving in the same direction, with Apple now allowing residents in ten US states to store and present their driving licence through Apple Wallet, showing how quickly digital ID is becoming part of everyday life.
These developments are not limited to social media or entertainment. They signal a broader move toward digital identity systems that are also highly relevant for healthcare and clinical research. Governments around the world are tightening requirements for online age assurance as part of wider safety legislation. Similar patterns can be seen across the UK, Europe, North America and beyond, with a focus on verification that is robust, fair and privacy conscious.
Digital wallet adoption is surging worldwide, 52% of the global population (around 4.3 billion people) now use digital wallets, a number projected to grow to 68% by 2029¹. Digital ID wallets are being positioned as a privacy-first solution. They enable selective sharing of information, eliminating the need for repeated uploads of sensitive documents such as passports or driving licences. For organisations, they offer efficiency and alignment with data protection standards. For individuals, they provide more control and transparency over personal data.
The UK is developing the GOV.UK Wallet, while the EU is rolling out its European Digital Identity Wallet. These tools allow individuals to share only the information required, for instance confirming they are over 18 without revealing their full date of birth or address. This reduces unnecessary data sharing while keeping verification simple. In clinical trial recruitment, such an approach could make eligibility checks faster, reduce admin for research teams and give participants confidence that their personal details are being safeguarded, leading to smoother enrolment and higher participation.
Implications for Clinical Trial Recruitment
Verification and Consent
As digital verification becomes standard across industries, trial participants are likely to expect the same convenience and security in research. Digital ID wallets could make eligibility checks and e-consent faster and more reliable, ensuring the right individual is enrolled while limiting the amount of personal data collected. This approach reduces the risk of errors while reinforcing confidence that the recruitment process is both secure and up to date.
Recruitment and Accessibility
Recruitment platforms may soon use ID wallet technology to simplify enrolment, making it easier for participants to sign up quickly and securely. While this creates a smoother process for many, research organisations must also provide alternatives for those without smartphones or access to digital IDs to keep studies inclusive. Offering multiple verification routes will be key to avoiding unintentional barriers that could skew trial demographics.
Trust and User Experience
Privacy-focused ID systems have the potential to increase participant trust by making it clear that only the minimum data is being shared. When people feel their information is handled responsibly, they are more likely to continue through the sign-up process and stay engaged. However, if verification feels intrusive or complicated, it risks discouraging potential volunteers and lowering recruitment success.
Compliance and Governance
The adoption of digital identity will bring new technology vendors into clinical research workflows, making due diligence essential. Organisations will need to ensure providers meet standards for accuracy, fairness, auditability and data protection. Clear governance will help avoid compliance risks, while also reassuring participants that their data is being handled under strict oversight.
Debate continues, however. Supporters highlight how wallets could build trust and reduce fraud, while critics point to risks including centralisation, over-reliance on smartphones, and the possibility of excluding people who lack digital access.
As age-verification laws and digital ID wallets expand globally, clinical research has an opportunity to embrace these technologies in a way that strengthens trust, supports privacy, and ensures inclusive participation. Preparing now will help future-proof recruitment strategies and enhance the overall participant experience. At Absolutely Health, we are committed to supporting CROs as these changes take shape, helping them adapt their recruitment strategies and stay ahead in an evolving digital landscape.
Source:
1 . Capital One Shopping. Digital Wallet Statistics (2025): Users, Growth Rate & Trends [Internet]. 2025 Jan 26 [cited 2025 Aug 29]. Available from: https://capitaloneshopping.com/research/digital-wallet-statistics
