• The European Union has recently published a document, The Common Union Toolbox for a Coordinated Approach Towards a European Digital Identity Framework: The European Digital Identity Wallet Architecture and Reference Framework, or ARF.
• This document outlines the concept of a European Digital Identity (EUDI) which can be used by any citizen of any EU member state, by any company operating in the EU and accepted by any business or government agency in the EU.
• EUDI is an auxiliary digitized identity system that would provide secure and trusted identification to access online services, pay for things with different prices, access healthcare records, verify educational credentials and professional qualifications, use digital finance products and more.
The European Union’s Digital Identity
The European Union has recently published a document titled “The Common Union Toolbox for a Coordinated Approach Towards a European Digital Identity Framework: The European Digital Identity Wallet Architecture and Reference Framework” or ARF. This document outlines the concept of a European Digital Identity (EUDI).
What is EUDI?
EUDI is an auxiliary digitized identity system that can be used by any citizen of any EU member state, by any company operating in the EU and accepted by any business or government agency in the EU. Rather than replacing pre-existing identity mechanisms (i.e. national ID cards), EUDI sits alongside those as an additional means of verification. For example, banks in the Netherlands would continue to accept Dutch identity cards but also accept EUDI for non-Dutch residents. This helps banks avoid having to learn how to support various forms of international identity certificates OR restricting services only to people with Dutch IDs.
Uses Cases
The use cases that the EU itself identified are far reaching including: Secure and trusted identification to access online services; Mobility and digital driving license; Professional business certifications; Paying for things where different prices occur such as toll roads; Health records such as patent summaries or ePrescriptions; Educational credentials and professional qualifications; Digital Finance products; Digital Travel Credentials such as passports and visas.
Current Challenges
Currently proving identity and credentials in Europe is confusing and prone to errors due to multiple forms required across different countries within the union making it difficult for businesses trying to offer services across borders without having expertise on each individual country’s paperwork requirements.
Benefits of Using EDUI
Using EDUI would streamline these processes making it easier for businesses offering services across borders within Europe while still ensuring secure authentication processes are followed while lowering costs associated with verifying identities from different countries when conducting transactions whether they be personal or commercial related activities between individuals companies or governments within Europe.