The Liberty Alliance today announced changes to its global membership structure designed to make it more accessible.

The organisation has opened many of its Special Interest Groups (SIGs), mail lists and meetings to the public.

It has also redefined membership levels with a revamped structure that allows individuals to join and take part in cross-organisational initiatives or to participate on an activity-by-activity basis. Membership was previously open only to organisations.

"As the global identity landscape continues to evolve, Liberty Alliance recognises that all voices need to be heard when it comes to collaboratively addressing industry-wide and vertical-specific identity management requirements, " the group stated.

Membership will also be opened up to non-members in regional and global SIGs, such as the Identity Theft Prevention Group, the eHealth Group and the Japan Special Interest Group.

"Liberty's open and more inclusive membership structure provides new opportunities for individuals, governments and enterprises of all sizes and in every market sector to leverage and participate in the work of the Alliance," said Brett McDowell, executive director of Liberty Alliance.

The Liberty Alliance Management Board approved the new membership structure during a quarterly members' meeting held in Brussels last month.