The EU's eIDAS Regulation, explained: a legal framework for electronic identification, authentication and trust services across EU member states.
In May 2024, eIDAS 2.0 officially entered into force, marking a significant milestone in the EU's digital identity framework. This update brings about the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet), enabling EU citizens, residents, and businesses to securely store and manage personal identification data and other attributes [3].
At its core, eIDAS 2.0 aims to improve the existing framework's security, extend its scope, introduce a digital wallet for EU citizens, establish a robust framework for user-controlled digital identity, and strengthen the single market [1]. To achieve this, the regulation requires compliance with higher security standards, but many current smartphone devices lack the certified secure elements necessary to meet the "eIDAS high" security level [4]. As a result, alternative compliant solutions like remote secure elements are being explored to meet the 2026 rollout deadline.
QTSPs (Qualified Trust Service Providers) play a crucial role in maintaining the security and trust of eIDAS 2.0. These providers are rigorously trained and certified to ensure high security via advanced cryptographic techniques and undergo continuous monitoring to maintain the highest standards [2]. Advanced Electronic Signatures, for instance, provide a higher level of security by uniquely linking to the signatory, identifying the signatory, and being created using means under the signatory's sole control.
eIDAS 2.0 also ensures the validity and acceptance of digital IDs/signatures EU-wide, enabling cross-border recognition of electronic identification and trust services. This transparency and trust model improve the user experience and support cross-border transactions, making the digital single market more accessible [1].
Looking ahead, future updates and developments under eIDAS 2.0 are expected to keep pace with technological advances and emerging cybersecurity threats, maintaining its robustness and security. The evolving architecture encourages continuous improvements, particularly in digital identity management and trust services, while addressing long-standing issues in federated identity systems and scalable technology requirements [1][2].
eIDAS serves as valuable guidance for countries aiming to develop comprehensive digital identity ecosystems. Our organization, deeply involved in the digital economy and digital website management, envisions a user-centric internet where individuals maintain control over their data. We actively contribute to this future through innovative digital website management systems and protocols.
Key Features:
- Entry into force: May 2024
- Key feature: European Digital Identity Wallet for users
- Security requirements: "eIDAS high" security level; current devices often insufficient; alternative solutions like remote secure elements explored
- Focus: Citizen-centered, decentralized digital identity model
- QTSP role: Maintains qualified trust, cryptographic rigor
- Cross-border recognition: Ensures validity and acceptance of digital IDs/signatures EU-wide
- Future direction: Continuous updates to adapt to new threats and tech advances; implementation challenges addressed through technical innovation
References:
[1] European Commission. (2021). eIDAS Regulation. https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12498-Digital-Identity-and-Trust-Services-for-electronic-transactions-in-the-internal-market
[2] European Commission. (2021). eIDAS Regulation: Frequently Asked Questions. https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12498-Digital-Identity-and-Trust-Services-for-electronic-transactions-in-the-internal-market/faqs
[3] European Commission. (2021). European Digital Identity. https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-digital-future/european-digital-identity_en
[4] European Commission. (2021). eIDAS Regulation: Implementation. https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12498-Digital-Identity-and-Trust-Services-for-electronic-transactions-in-the-internal-market/implementation
- Enhancements in data-and-cloud-computing technology can potentially streamline the European Digital Identity Wallet's functionality, improving the user experience for businesses that rely on personal-finance and finance transactions within the EU's digital single market.
- As eIDAS 2.0 focuses on user-controlled digital identity and advanced electronic signatures, technology companies must ensure their products comply with the 'eIDAS high' security level, contributing to the growth and trust in the digital business industry.
- Understanding the role of Qualified Trust Service Providers in the context of eIDAS 2.0 can be valuable for finance and technology professionals, as their expertise in cryptography and secure authentication is crucial for maintaining the integrity of data in the expanding world of cloud-based personal-finance systems and business transactions.
