Digital identification is something the government has been considering for years. It aims to give citizens more control over the personal data stored by the government. For this purpose, the “Regie op Gegevens” (Control over Data) program was established, which existed before Ockto emerged. However, progress has been slow until the European Commission started taking the European Digital Identity (EDI) seriously.
By 2030, at least 80% of the EU population should have a digital identity allowing them to securely communicate with authorities and businesses across the EU. How will this take shape in practice, and when will we start noticing its effects?
European Digital Identity, ID Wallets – What’s That?
You hear various terms regarding digital identity, such as EDI, eID, or EUDI wallet. How does it work exactly? The overarching legislation is eIDAS 2.0, which includes the establishment of a European Digital Identity for every EU citizen. In practice, this will take the form of a mobile ID wallet app, enabling citizens to identify themselves and securely exchange personal data across Europe.
There will be multiple ID wallets available for citizens to choose from. Government organizations are required to accept ID wallets admitted to the EDI wallet system. The same applies to semi-governmental bodies and a large number of private entities, such as banks and insurers. And remember: this acceptance obligation applies not only to Dutch ID wallets but also to public and private EDI wallets from all other EU member states.
What Can You Do with an ID Wallet?
An ID wallet contains a citizen’s identity, enabling them to identify themselves both online and offline throughout Europe. This digital identity holds the same value as a passport or identity card. Additionally, citizens can digitally store documents such as driver’s licenses in an ID wallet.
The applications go beyond identification and authentication. With your wallet, you can also digitally sign documents at a level equivalent to a handwritten signature. Furthermore, you can securely and digitally share other data via the wallet, such as financial information, making processes like applying for benefits, a mortgage, or consumer loans simpler, safer, and more GDPR-compliant.
When Will the Dutch ID Wallet Be Available?
The implementation of the eIDAS 2.0 legislation is one aspect that will be addressed in the Netherlands through the second tranche of the Digital Government Act (WDO). The enactment of this law and the practical implementation of the ID wallet system are expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
However, due to various factors such as the approval process by the First and Second Chamber and the required IT development, the government anticipates that the practical implementation of the entire system will take until 2027.
From that point onwards, citizens can freely choose from different ID wallets supervised by the government. The government will also offer its own ID wallet, although its functionalities are currently unclear.
In short, regulated ID wallets allowing everyone to digitally identify themselves and exchange personal data are on the horizon. However, it will be at least three more years until this is legally regulated via the WDO, and citizens have a choice of approved ID wallets. Three years is an eternity in the world of digitization, so what will happen until then?
How Will It Work Before the Introduction of the ID Wallet?
At present, there are already many solutions allowing consumers to securely share personal data stored by the government and banks. Data sharing platforms like Ockto and iWize have been successfully used for years to digitize and simplify various processes.
These platforms facilitate actions such as applying for a mortgage, registering for a rental property, signing a private lease agreement, or requesting energy subsidies. Citizens can also easily digitally identify themselves using these platforms.
As is often the case with technological developments, practice is years ahead of new legislation (the second tranche of the WDO).
The Dutch government acknowledges this. Therefore, it has decided to collaborate with the private sector to further develop and improve current practices. The Ministry of the Interior is working on a temporary supervisory framework to better regulate data sharing platforms. This framework will be in place until the new WDO legislation comes into effect.
This approach benefits multiple stakeholders:
- Citizens have the assurance that data sharing platforms are regulated and safe to use.
- Data recipients (such as banks and insurers) can improve and digitize their processes by using digital source data.
- The government gains practical knowledge and experience, facilitating the acceleration and improvement of the second tranche of the WDO and the implementation of the ID wallet system.
In conclusion, a successful public-private partnership is emerging that serves multiple goals and interests. The collaboration between the government and the private sector makes it easier to tackle a complex challenge (the implementation of an ID wallet system). With this, the Netherlands can take a leading role in Europe in terms of secure and inclusive digital identification and data exchange.
Would you like to know more?
>> All about the European Digital Identity
>> Vault or lock? Ockto’s vision on securely sharing personal data
>> The European Digital Identity - what should your organization focus on now?
