The European Union has given substantial approval to legislation that paves the way for residents to have digital ID wallets without relying on private companies for such software. The proposed European Digital Identity Framework has cleared most legislative hurdles but awaits the ultimate approval from the Council of Ministers.
While individuals have the option to use commercial wallets for identification purposes, the government expressed concerns over trust, security, and privacy related to such third-party software. The digital identity wallet initiative aims to provide users with complete control over their data, empowering them with the right to request data deletion, as emphasized by MEP Romana Jerković from Croatia.
Negotiations within the European Parliament reportedly led to the development of an open-source wallet that not only upholds civil rights but also ensures inclusivity, even for those opting for private alternatives. The program is designed to incorporate traceability and accountability measures.
With a vote of 335 in favor and 190 against, the European Parliament successfully passed the regulation. The specific businesses involved in the negotiations were not disclosed.
Alongside the EU digital wallet initiative, the legislation also encompasses provisions for free qualified electronic signatures and wallet-to-wallet interactions, as outlined by the government. Once the Council of Ministers grants its final approval, the European Digital Identity Framework is poised to enhance digital identity solutions for EU residents.
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