The European Commission (EC) adopted rules for the core functionalities and certification of the European Digital Identity (eID) Wallets under the European Digital Identity Framework.
As noted in the update shared by the EC, this is considered to be a major step towards Member States building their own wallets and “releasing them by the end of 2026.”
Four implementing regulations set out uniform standards, specifications, and procedures for the technical functionalities of the wallets, such as data formats required for the “cross-border use of digital documents and measures to ensure the reliability and security of the wallets.”
Setting uniform standards and specifications will allow each Member State to develop wallets in a way that is “interoperable and accepted across the EU, while protecting personal data and privacy.”
Data is stored locally on the wallet, with users have control “over what information they share, with zero tracking or profiling in the design of wallets.”
A privacy dashboard will also be built in, giving complete “transparency on how and with whom information from the wallet is shared.”
The fifth implementing regulation establishes specifications and procedures to build a robust framework for the certification of the eID wallets, “ensuring they are secure and protect users’ privacy and personal data.”
As explained in a blog post, European Digital Identity Wallets will offer private users and businesses a universal, “trustworthy and secure way to identify themselves when accessing public and private services across borders.”
Examples of how digital wallets can be used include the following: opening a banking account, proving one’s age, along with “renewing medical prescriptions, renting a car, or displaying their flight tickets.”
The implementing regulations will reportedly be released in the Official Journal in due course and then be expected to “enter into force 20 days thereafter.”