Six million Aussies sign up for scam-fighting biometrics

The federal government’s myGov app has hit a major milestone, with more than 10 million Australians now using the digital one-stop-shop. 

myGov allows users to access government services including Medicare, Centrelink and the Australian Tax Office. 

Since its mobile app was launched in December 2022, there have been 400 million sign-ins.

Most of myGov’s traffic now comes from the device-based platform, rather than web browsers. 

“This milestone reflects the increasing role digital services play in helping people manage everyday tasks and stay connected with government in a way that works for them,” Government Services Minister Katy Gallagher told nine.com.au and 9News. 

Nearly 60 per cent of – or 6 million – users were using biometric security features, like fingerprint or facial recognition through the app, which meant they did not have to remember their username and password. 

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The federal government introduced the measure in 2024, to make it harder for fraudsters to gain access to accounts, stopping billions of dollars being lost to scams.

Scams are a persisting and evolving threat to government digital services. The ATO received 1547 reports of identity theft in June. 

The government said biometrics provided additional security, similar to how banking apps were used. 

“It is clear more people are choosing the convenience and security of the myGov app,” Gallagher said. 

“We’re focused on making government services easier and safer to access, and the myGov app is an important part of delivering that.” 

The myGov app has been caught in a multi-year battle with software engineer Fraser Tweedale, who wanted to test its code security.

Services Australia has pushed back, claiming that would threaten national security. 

myGov’s digital wallet also allows the use of government issued cards, including Medicare, Centrelink concession and organ donor cards.

Figures provided to nine.com.au and 9News showed the digital Medicare card was the most used item in the myGov app wallet, accounting for more than 2.7 million of the more than 4.5 million wallet items added since 2022.