Consumers will be able to create a “skinny” digital identity that works across the country to protect themselves from identity theft, as part of a new national regime to thwart scammers and hackers endorsed by state and federal digital ministers Friday.

Under the scheme people will only need to share minimal information with businesses, universities and public agencies rather than their full personal details. This will minimise the amount of sensitive personal information firms and departments hold, making it harder for key credentials to be stolen.