Two out of three Europeans are looking forward to the arrival of an EU-backed Digital ID Wallet for storing their ID card, driving licence and other official documents and signed attestations on a smartphone, according to new research.
The Thales survey also reveals that while 27 percent currently use some form of official national digital ID scheme, 45 percent are relying on insecure, unofficial, ‘DIY’ scans and photos of their cards and documents to help prove their identity and entitlements.
Regarding User Experience (UX), 34 percent of people surveyed currently find it difficult to prove their identity when renewing an ID document, 30 percent have problems when making a high value purchase, and 29 percent encounter troubles when applying for financial services. However, among the 40 percent who face such issues, the figure falls to just five percent or below when a digital format is used.
In all but one of the countries surveyed, government emerges as the preferred provider of the EDIW. However, despite widespread public support for the idea, the results demonstrate that wallet providers must address significant security and data privacy concerns among potential users. In particular, the research shows that 65 percent of Europeans rate security as the most important feature in any new wallet, followed by convenience and privacy.
Differences in national attitudes
The survey also uncovers differences in national attitudes. The French and the Italians are the most positive about the EDIW, with 85 percent and 75 percent respectively claiming they will use it. Enthusiasm for the EDIW is also influenced by age, and citizens’ experiences of digital wallets providers (such as Apple, Google, Samsung) and national Digital ID schemes including BankID in Sweden.
Starting with a pilot phase in 2023, every member state must by 2024 offer citizens a Digital ID Wallet that can be used throughout the EU. Thales says the survey results underline the need for the European initiative.
“By providing citizens with a secure and convenient means of proving their identity and entitlements via a smartphone, the EDIW will enable smooth and secure interactions between citizens, governments and private businesses,” said Youzec Kurp, VP identity and biometric solutions at Thales.
