The Digital Government Act (in Dutch, Wet digitale overheid, abbreviated Wdo) is the core of the new System Access, which consolidates the existing systems of DigiD, eHerkenning, and eIDAS. This act lays a new, future-proof foundation for secure digital services. What is the progress of its development? And why is it necessary? Pascal Zeelen, Programme Manager for System Access, and Mark Arts, Project Leader for the Implementation of System Access, answer six frequently asked questions.
Pascal, you started when the first part of the Wdo came into effect. How do you look back on this?
Zeelen: “I have been tasked with realising and implementing the new System Access. In this system, we combine existing components such as DigiD, eIDAS, eHerkenning and create space to easily add new elements. Think of provisions around authorisation and representation, but also the inclusion of private login tools that may be recognised in the future.”
“The goal of the Wdo is to ensure that everyone has safe and reliable access to the government’s digital services, now and in the future. We are sharing progressively more private data online. As a consequence, the government imposes stricter requirements for access to its services. We do this by only allowing recognised login tools that meet the appropriate level of reliability. In addition to public login tools, also private login tools can be recognised. This way, the system access becomes more straightforward, with service providers needing to connect to only one system for both citizens and businesses. It also becomes more comprehensive, with both public and private tools. The new system does not solve all Wdo challenges, but it is an essential part of shaping it.”
Consolidating systems, higher levels of reliability, and possibly involving private parties sounds complicated. How are you addressing this?
Zeelen: “It is indeed a complex task involving many parties. Last year, we began distinguishing the three main functions the system will provide: personal login, logging in on behalf of another individual, and logging in on behalf of a company or organisation. Based on this, we have considered what is needed to offer these functions according to the new law. Parallel to developing new components – such as a central interface and a service for parental authority and legal representation – we began preparations for implementation. We are doing this step by step and making use of components that are already available. This implementation plan considers the differences between sectors and service providers, so they do not have to wait until everything is completed. Service providers seeking to initiate preparations can do so soon.”
Mark, as the implementation manager for the System Access since the beginning of this year, what does your work involve?
Arts: “I focus on a broad implementation of the system, so it is used as we envisage. The new system ensures that citizens and businesses have safer and more reliable access to the government’s digital services. And that it’s as easy as possible for service providers to comply with the new regulations.”
“To this end, I initiated dialogues with service providers or their representatives. Although we do not yet know exactly what the connection process will look like, we can already explore what is going on, current questions, and where we need more customisation. These conversations reveal that there is a lot of variation: some parties do a lot themselves, others engage an ICT provider or intermediary. Everyone has their own story. This confirms our intention to create an implementation plan that allows for these differences.”
What can service providers expect in the coming period?
Arts: “The initial conversations underscored the great need for information to make the impact of the new system accessible to service providers. The implementation team is working on this. We already have a good understanding of the questions that exist. Where necessary, we will have further discussions with service providers to delve deeper into issues. At the same time, we will begin addressing questions. Some questions are specific to certain service providers, but if the information is also relevant to others, we ensure that it is widely available.”
How can readers stay informed about the latest developments regarding System Access?
Arts: “Current information and frequently asked questions are available on DigitaleOverheid.nl. Additionally, we have periodic meetings. This includes the steering committee and stakeholder meetings, where many service providers and sectors are represented. For specific questions, service providers can contact us via the digital access mailbox: digitaletoegang@minbzk.nl.”
