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      Digital Trust

    DIATF Gamma vs Beta: Understanding the differences and next steps

    The UK’s digital identity ecosystem has entered a new phase.

    On 1 July 2025, the Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework (DIATF) Gamma 0.4 became the official live standard, replacing the Beta 0.3 version.

    This change is more than a technical update. Gamma is the statutory level of the DIATF, introduced under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, and it sets a stronger, clearer benchmark for how digital verification services (DVS) are delivered. For many organizations, this will mean new responsibilities and new opportunities.

    At BSI, we supported organizations through Beta certification. Now, we’re helping clients plan their transition to Gamma, ensuring they stay compliant, competitive, and trusted.

    Why DIATF matters

    Digital identity is now central to how individuals access work, services, and finance. From employment checks to renting property or opening a bank account, organizations must prove they can manage these processes securely and fairly.

    The DIATF is a set of government-defined rules that organizations must meet to have their services certified. Certification shows that a provider is delivering a trustworthy, safe, and reliable DVS.

    Gamma certification helps organizations:

    • Build trust with users, clients, and regulators;
    • Meet legal and compliance requirements;
    • Protect against fraud and data misuse;
    • Gain recognition as certified, high-trust providers.

    What’s new in Gamma

    Compared with Beta 0.3, Gamma 0.4 introduces major changes that raise the bar for identity assurance:

    • Clearer roles – Five provider types are now explicitly defined: Identity Service Providers (IDSPs), Attribute Service Providers (ASPs), Orchestration Service Providers (OSPs), Holder Service Providers (HSPs), and Component Service Providers (CSPs). This helps organizations understand what standards apply to them.
    • Higher standards – Gamma brings requirements for bias audits, escalation routes, transparency reporting, and stronger governance processes. These add safeguards for both organizations and users.
    • Mandatory services – Certification to Gamma is now needed for DBS digital vetting. It is also strongly recommended for Right to Work and Right to Rent checks, embedding DIATF into everyday compliance processes.
    • Alignment with public sector priorities – Gamma has been designed to meet public expectations around fairness, accountability, and trust, supporting innovation while protecting people.

    What it means for organizations

    If your organization is currently certified under Beta, the timeline is fixed. All Beta certifications will expire on 31 March 2026. To remain on the official certified register, you must transition to Gamma.

    For new entrants, Gamma offers a clearer and more robust pathway from the outset. Certification proves that your organization is not only compliant but is also committed to safeguarding users and tackling identity-specific risks such as fraud, impersonation, and misuse of attributes.

    Certification can deliver tangible benefits:

    • Reduce fraud and improve onboarding efficiency;
    • Increase user trust and confidence in your services;
    • Enhance credibility in procurement and tenders;
    • Differentiate your brand as an early adopter of best practice.

    Preparing for the transition

    For organizations moving from Beta or entering for the first time, the priority is readiness. Recommended steps include:

    1. Find your role under the Gamma framework (IDSP, ASP, OSP, HSP, CSP).
    2. Review processes around transparency, user protection, and governance.
    3. Benchmark compliance with new Gamma requirements.
    4. Develop a plan to transition well ahead of the 2026 deadline.

    To support this, BSI offers a Certification Readiness Checklist, a practical tool to help organizations assess their current state and identify areas for improvement before audit.

    Beyond compliance: building trust

    The transition to Gamma is not just about avoiding the expiry of Beta certification. It’s an opportunity to strengthen your reputation and market position. Organizations that certify early can signal leadership in digital trust, gain a head start in government tenders, and reassure users that their services are future-ready.

    For those new to digital identity assurance, Gamma provides a clear entry point, a government-backed framework that shows stakeholders you take security, fairness, and compliance seriously.

    Shape your digital trust journey with BSI

    The move from Beta to Gamma is reshaping the UK’s digital identity landscape. By acting now, organizations can secure compliance, strengthen market opportunities, and demonstrate their commitment to trust.

    BSI has been at the forefront of this evolution, collaborating with clients through Beta and now helping them transition to Gamma with confidence.

    Learn more about DIATF Gamma and how BSI can support your certification journey.