This project arises in response to forthcoming digital product passports (DPPs). DPPs will be digital records for physical products, designed to track how and where products are used as they move through the economy (including electric vehicle batteries and consumer electronics). This is driven by sustainability efforts and the desire to regulate circular economies (sharing, reusing, and recycling products). Passports are being discussed in recent reports and look to become legislated in the EU.

The potential for unintended security and ethical implications does not seem to be accounted for. Seemingly “non-personal” or “product” data can reveal personal data about users (e.g., data from electric vehicles batteries can already reveal some information about the habits and characteristics of drivers). DPPs are likely to capture a new and broad spectrum of data with new consequences for human digital identity.

This project will scope the potential unintended consequences of forthcoming DPPs for human digital identities, pinpoint where the most important gaps may lie, and begin to investigate promising routes forward in consultation with stakeholders. The long-term aim is to inform adaptive solutions that prioritise privacy and security alongside sustainability, mitigating potential harm whilst working to ensure DPPs can function for their intended purposes.

Presentation on the DigiProPass project from the SPRITE+ Conference, June 2023.