The objective of this paper is to provide a picture of the state of play of current technologies impacting eID, and to summarise the key trends that will shape its future in the short and long term. This report has been produced in the context of the eID Value Proposition project.
It is crucial for policy makers to understand the expected evolution of the eID landscape in order to ensure that governmentally issued eIDs remain relevant when compared to private digital identity solutions, and also stay in line with the needs of citizens in terms of usability and security. While we can identify key technologies that either impact the means used to prove one’s identity (e.g. biometrics, smartcards and mobile apps), or technologies like blockchain that can support the creation of trust in the identities delivered under a specific scheme, these should not be analysed in isolation. Thus this paper will also explore the broader societal, economical, political and technological factors at play which have an influence on the evolution of eID.
In this context, characterised by the rise and fall of technological applications and rapid change, policy makers have a crucial and difficult role to play. Simultaneously, they need to create the right environment for these technologies to thrive, to ensure that businesses and citizens can connect and benefit from these technologies, and to protect them against risks and negative externalities.
Final report about Trends in electronic identification: An overview, by CEF eID SMO