BRUSSELS: The Council of the European Union adopted today a new framework for a European digital identity (eID) to ensure a trusted and secure digital identity for all Europeans, according to a press release issued by the Council.
‘The adoption of the European digital identity regulation is a milestone in our society’s digital transformation. Enabling citizens to have a unique and secure European digital wallet while remaining in full control of their personal data is a key step forward for the EU, which will set a global benchmark in the digital field and enhance security when engaging with online services,’ said Mathieu Michel, Belgian Secretary of State for digitisation, administrative simplification, privacy protection and the building regulation.
Moreover, he added, by putting citizens at the centre, the European digital identity regulation contributes to significantly improving and simplifying access to public services online. Citizens should not have to bear the burden of administrative and instituti
onal complexity, Michel stressed.
The European digital identity wallet
The revised regulation constitutes a clear paradigm shift for digital identity in Europe. It aims to ensure that people and businesses across Europe have universal access to secure and trustworthy electronic identification and authentication.
Under the new law, member states will offer citizens and businesses digital wallets that will be able to link their national digital identities with proof of other personal attributes (e.g., driving licence, qualifications, bank account). Citizens will be able to prove their identity and share electronic documents from their digital wallets simply, using their mobile phones.
The new European digital identity wallets (EDIWs) will enable all citizens to access online services with their national digital identification, which will be recognised throughout the EU, without having to use private identification methods or unnecessarily share personal data. User control ensures that only information that
needs to be shared will be shared.
Main elements of the revised regulation
The co-legislators maintained the general thrust of the Commission proposal for an upgraded framework that will improve the effectiveness and extend the benefits of secure and convenient digital identity to the private sector and for mobile use. Interinstitutional discussions strengthened the legislation in several areas that are important for citizens. The wallet will contain a dashboard of all transactions accessible to its holder both online and offline, offer the possibility to report possible violations of data protection, and allow interaction between wallets. Moreover, citizens will be able to onboard the wallet with existing national eID schemes and benefit from free e-signatures for non-professional use.
The revised regulation will be published in the EU’s Official Journal in the coming weeks and will enter into force 20 days after its publication. The regulation will be fully implemented by 2026.
Source: Emirates News Ag
ency