Global: Europe Explores Paths to Implementing Digital Identity

As European nations embark on the journey to establish a secure digital identity wallet scheme, their approaches and outcomes vary. A recent blog from Spherical Cow Consulting delves into the EU Digital Identity Architecture Reference Framework (ARF), which provides a foundational framework for the functioning of digital wallets within the EU. Meanwhile, a case study from Poland serves as a cautionary tale on the pitfalls of implementing a national digital ID system, and Hungary stands at the brink of launching its digital identity initiative.

EUDI Wallet ARF: Navigating Integration Points and Security Measures

According to Heather Flanagan, Principal at Spherical Cow, the EUDI Wallet must encompass a range of functionalities, from electronic identification to managing electronic attestations of attributes. Flanagan emphasizes the importance of getting these aspects right, as the ARF outlines guidelines for security, privacy by design, and user control over personal data. By situating the framework within the EU’s legal and regulatory context, the ARF aims to ensure compliance while offering a secure and user-friendly experience. Additionally, the framework will offer guidance on integration points with external entities like member state infrastructures and trusted registries.

Polish Digital ID Scheme: Lessons in Identity Verification

Szymon Chadam, an IT and security consultant with SecuRing, highlights the risks associated with inadequate identity verification methods in the Polish digital identity scheme. His analysis, presented at the Insomni’hack cybersecurity conference, underscores the importance of prioritizing security and testing for effectiveness. Chadam’s research reveals that many high-risk organizations neglect the strongest verification method—cryptographic verification using QR codes—offered by Poland’s mCitizen ID system. The key takeaway: visual verification should never be relied upon.

Hungary’s Biometric Digital ID Rollout

Hungary is set to kickstart its digital identity rollout on May 18, allowing citizens to apply for a digital ID. The National Digital Citizenship Programme’s mobile-based digital identity solution will offer digital versions of ID and government documents, a digital mailbox, document storage, electronic signature, and electronic payments. Leveraging face biometrics, the system will authenticate users’ facial images against a government database, ushering in a new era of digital identity management for Hungarians.