The European Union has published its European Framework for Digital Identity
On April 30, 2024, it was published in the Official Journal of the European Union, now being Regulation (EU) 2024/1183 of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 with regard to the establishment of the European Framework for Digital Identity.
> KEY ASPECTS
This regulation aims to provide all individuals living in the Union with an accessible, secure, and reliable digital identity, enabling them to access a wide range of online and offline services, protected against cybersecurity risks and cybercrimes, such as data security breaches and identity theft or manipulation.
To achieve this, it establishes a harmonized digital identity framework that reduces digital barriers among Member States and empowers Union citizens and residents to enjoy the benefits of digitization, while simultaneously increasing transparency and protecting their rights.
The new Regulation introduces the concept of the European Digital Identity Wallet as a means of electronic identification allowing users to securely store, manage, and validate personal identification data and electronic attribute statements for provision to authorized parties and other users of European digital identity wallets, as well as to electronically sign using qualified electronic signatures or seal using qualified electronic seals. Additionally, European digital identity wallets:
· Support common protocols and interfaces
· For issuing personal identification data, qualified and non-qualified electronic attribute statements, or qualified and non-qualified certificates for the European digital identity wallet;
· For parties to request and validate personal identification data and electronic attribute statements;
· For sharing with and presenting to parties personal identification data, an electronic attribute statement, or selectively disclosed related data, online and, where applicable, in offline mode;
· For users to enable interaction with the European digital identity wallet and display a EU trust label for the digital identity wallet.
The establishment of the European Framework for Digital Identity raises significant considerations regarding data protection and privacy. While simplified access to online services is an evident advantage, it is crucial to ensure that personal data stored in the European Digital Identity Wallet is adequately protected against unauthorized access and misuse. Moreover, clear safeguards must be established to ensure that data collection and processing are conducted transparently and in compliance with EU data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
> CONCLUSIONS
The publication of the European Framework for Digital Identity marks a significant milestone on the path towards a safer and more accessible digital society in the European Union. This regulation offers a comprehensive solution to address the challenges of digital identity in an increasingly connected world, while ensuring data protection and cybersecurity.
By establishing a harmonized digital identity framework, the EU aims not only to facilitate access to a wide range of online and offline services but also to ensure protection against the risks associated with cybersecurity and cybercrimes. The introduction of the European Digital Identity Wallet promises to provide users with a secure and reliable means to store, manage, and validate their identification data, as well as electronically sign documents, all backed by common protocols and interfaces ensuring interoperability and trust across the EU territory.
This framework lays the groundwork for a more inclusive and secure digital transformation, empowering EU citizens and residents to fully leverage the opportunities offered by the digital age while reinforcing the protection of their rights and personal data.
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