A. General Information
EU eIDAS system: electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services
B. Lessons Learned
eIDAS stands for electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services. The eIDAS Regulation is a European Regulation that created one single framework for electronic identification (eID) and trust services, making it more straightforward to deliver services across the European Union.
The eIDAS Regulation established the framework to ensure that electronic interactions between businesses are safer, faster and more efficient, no matter the European country they take place in. eIDAS promoted interoperability across the 27 EU Member States, ensuring that countries mutually recognize each other’s notified electronic identification schemes. It also ensures that the trust services provided by service providers who comply with the requirements in the Regulation can be accepted as evidence in legal proceedings.
Businesses large and small can use eIDAS solutions in both business-to-business and business-to-consumer transactions. eIDAS provides businesses with the opportunity to carry out stronger checks on the identity of customers and other companies.
- Electronic signature (eSignature): the expression in an electronic format of a person’s agreement to the content of a document or set of data. Qualified eSignatures have the same legal effect as hand written signatures. - Electronic seal (eSeal): similar in its function to the traditional business stamp. It can be applied to an electronic document to guarantee the origin and integrity of a document. - Electronic Timestamp (eTimestamp): links an electronic document, such as a purchase order, to a particular time, providing evidence that the document existed at that time. - Website Authentication Certificates (WACs): electronic certificates that prove to your customers that your website is trustworthy and reliable. They ensure that the website is linked to the person to whom the certificate is issued. They also help avoid data phishing. - Electronic Registered Delivery Service (eDelivery): allows the user to send data electronically. It provides proof of sending and delivery of the document and protects your company against the risk of loss, theft, damage or unauthorized alterations.
Electronic identification data
- Many stakeholders referred to how the COVID-19 pandemic had demonstrated the value of secure, remote identification for all to access public and private services. - It was also reported that the original 2014 eIDAS regulations had not achieved their potential across the member states. With only about 59% of citizens covered by valid eID schemes. The acceptance of notified eIDs at the level of member states and service providers is limited. - The findings also outline how the vast majority of the needs for eSigning and identity are in the private sector and that the current eIDAS coverage is poor in these areas due to poor uptake.
C. Relevant Standards
Last Update: 19 September 2024