One login for everything: EU Commission plans digital identity
The European Commission is planning a cross-border digital identity. Large platforms should have to accept the so-called EUid as a login.
In the European Union, all citizens should be able to use a digital identity in the future. The European Commission has one Proposal for the so-called EUid made. Platforms like Facebook or Twitter should be obliged to accept this identity.
According to the Commission’s proposal, citizens should be able to electronically pass on documents via a wallet. A digital ID should also be included, so that a click on the mobile phone is all it takes to prove identity.
The wallet should be used to link the national identity with other evidence, such as a driver’s license, diploma or bank account. Users should be able to see which data and certificates have been passed on to whom. This should give them more control over their data.
With the digital identity, it should be possible to log in to a wide variety of services, for example for digital administrative procedures, but also for controls at the airport or renting a car. “Very large platforms” should be obliged to accept the EUid as a login.
Companies would benefit from this solution for a secure and trustworthy identification service, said Thierry Breton, EU Commissioner responsible for the internal market, according to a press release.
Commission Vice-President Margrethe Vestager pointed out the advantages for citizens: “Thanks to the European digital identity, we will be able to do the same thing at home in every Member State at no additional cost and with fewer hurdles, whether we rent an apartment or a bank account outside of our home country want to open. “
The basic structure should be in place by 2022
Member States are responsible for development. They have to recognize a national service that both public authorities and private institutions can develop.
Next, the European Parliament and the Member States will discuss the proposal. According to a recommendation by the Commission, the states should already think about implementation: by September 2022 they should develop a technical architecture, standards and guidelines.
In EU countries such as Estonia, digital identity and associated services have been part of everyday life for years. In Germany it should be possible from September to use the identity card on the smartphone.
