To fully embrace the opportunities of digitalisation, it’s crucial that everyone in the Netherlands has control over their digital life, with key public values such as privacy, accessibility, and security being well protected.
In practical terms, this means that people should be able to:
- Access and view their data held by the government.
- Monitor the usage of their data.
- Make corrections to their data if necessary.
Furthermore, citizens should be able to share their data in a manner that is convenient for them. One such method is through a European digital wallet or an ID wallet. By 2025, Dutch citizens will have access to at least one ID wallet recognised by the Dutch government under the revised eIDAS regulation. From then on, they can use this European Digital Identity (EUDI) wallet to log in, digitally identify themselves, share personal data, and digitally sign documents with public and private service providers in the Netherlands and other European member states. Tasks that are currently performed in person will soon be achievable digitally, according to your individual preference.
Why an ID Wallet?
The market is seeing an increasing number of ID wallets, becoming more important for conducting digital business. They meet citizen needs, including convenience, and their use is expected to rise. However, these wallets, often created by major tech firms, carry risks, such as dependency on non-European technology companies. The government aims to ensure that ID wallets can be used simply, safely, and reliably by anyone who wishes to, and to this end, is developing its own ID wallet.
What is an ID Wallet?
An ID wallet will enable people to safely use and share their personal data in the Netherlands and other European countries. With a European ID wallet, for example, you can:
- Securely log in to services across all EU countries.
- Effortlessly verify personal details, such as possession of a driving licence, academic degrees or age verification for being over 18.
All of the above will be possible while ensuring minimal data disclosure.
How does it work?
An ID wallet is an app where you can store your digital personal data and various forms of digital verification related to your identity for later use. You might be already familiar with such apps. Perhaps you even use this existing service via a major company such as Apple or Google. These services are embraced by citizens and businesses for the convenience they provide in managing digital affairs. However, these wallets and the companies behind them are not subject to democratic (European) oversight, which raises concerns about the potential repercussions should they fail or refuse to provide their services. The government’s ID wallet aims to offer a privacy-friendly alternative and reduce the power of major tech companies.
Will using the wallet be mandatory?
No, using an ID wallet to conduct affairs with the government will not be mandatory. This key stance was taken by the House of Representatives, a view that is supported by the Cabinet as well.
Join the conversation for questions and more!
If you have questions about this development or you wish to collaborate with the EUDI team working on the ID wallet, visit the Pleio community and sign up for one of the sessions (in Dutch). Anyone interested is welcome to join. During these meetings, the team will share updates on their work, answer questions, and welcome your input.
