What if proving your right to work, rent, or even open a bank account didn’t require digging out your passport or waiting weeks for manual verification? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I’m joined by Hamraj Gulamali, Head of Legal and Compliance at Zinc, to talk about how digital identities are changing the way we think about employment, data ownership, and trust.

Hamraj brings a unique perspective to the conversation. A barrister-turned-startup leader, he now sits at the centre of one of the UK’s most forward-thinking background check platforms. Zinc’s mission is simple but ambitious: to make employment identity verification faster, safer, and fairer. But as Hamraj points out, this shift isn’t just about convenience. It’s about control.

We discuss how digital IDs are already helping automate background checks, reduce onboarding delays, and improve accuracy in high-volume hiring environments. Hamraj explains why placing ownership of work identity back in the hands of individuals has the potential to unlock wider applications—from renting a home to streamlining banking processes.

But there’s also friction. Some industries face structural and cultural resistance. Others fear the cost of digital transformation or worry about public trust. Hamraj unpacks why regulators have both helped and hindered progress. He shares his view on the UK’s Trust Framework, the Online Safety Act, and why transparency, retention policies, and robust cybersecurity are essential for building public confidence.

As we look ahead, Hamraj offers a clear vision for how verified digital IDs could simplify everyday tasks, slash manual admin, and reduce the compliance burden across multiple sectors. This episode cuts through the noise to offer a calm, informed, and practical take on one of the most overlooked shifts in how we live and work.

Whether you’re in HR, tech, compliance, or just tired of carrying your passport across town on your first day of work, this conversation will get you thinking about what needs to happen next.

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