European Commission presents plan for European digital identity

The European Commission presented plans on Thursday for a digital identity that is valid in all member states. The European Commission wants all European citizens to have access to the digital identity card.

According to the plans, citizens everywhere in the European Union should be able to use their digital identity at, for example, banks or universities. It must be possible to use the proof as an alternative for a passport or driving licence. The first test phase of the European digital identity should start at the end of 2022.

The digital ID proof will not be mandatory and the paper variants will not disappear. In addition, citizens should be able to decide for themselves which information they share with whom.

According to European Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager, the European digital identity must ensure that “we can do the same in all Member States as in our home country. Such as renting an apartment or opening a bank account”.

Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton calls it a ‘digital identity wallet’. In addition to your identity, it must also be possible to store official documents such as diplomas or a marriage certificate.

In addition, the European Commission also wanted the proof of identity to be used on major online platforms. For example, with an age check on Facebook. Major platforms are required to accept the digital ID card.