4 December 2006
HREOC welcomes draft banking guidelines on accessible authentication systems
Human Rights Commissioner and Commissioner responsible for Disability Discrimination, Graeme Innes AM, today welcomed the release of the Australian Bankers" Association (ABA) draft guidelines on accessible authentication of financial transactions.
The ABA issued the draft Guiding Principles for Accessible Authentication to coincide with International Day of Disabled Persons (3 December), which has the particularly relevant theme this year -"E-Accessibility".
The guidelines have been developed to assist banks and other financial institutions to design and implement authentication systems to protect against fraud in a way that does not exclude customers with disabilities or older people.
"As we move increasingly to electronic-based financial services, we need to ensure that any authentication systems set up to protect customers do not discriminate against some sections of the community," said Commissioner Innes.
"Businesses throughout the world are developing a range of authentication systems, including tokens, SMS messaging and biometric systems such as retina scanning. However, if you cannot read access codes, hear instructions or manipulate tokens because of your age or disability, there is a danger you will not be able to benefit from better security and convenience that other customers enjoy."
"I am confident that the adoption of these guidelines, when finalised, will assist Australia"s financial services to be world leaders in ensuring authentication systems are as accessible as possible," said Commissioner Innes.
The ABA established a Working Group to develop the draft, including members of its own organisation, the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission and representatives from the disability community.
"I congratulate the ABA on its approach to developing this draft in partnership with interested groups and encourage individuals and organisations to take the opportunity to comment," Commissioner Innes said.
The draft guidelines are available on ABA"s website at: www.bankers.asn.au/draft_principles
or via email: reception@bankers.asn.au
Media contact: Paul Oliver (02) 9284 9880 or 0408 469 347
Last updated January 31, 2008
