The federal government is working on making the new identity card with electronic proof of identity more attractive. This additional function has so far met with little response from the public. Meanwhile, large private companies come up with serious competition in the field of identification on the Internet.
Hardly known: eID
Electronic proof of identity (eID) has not yet established itself. Experts assume that this is less due to the performance of the system than to the complex certification process – but perhaps also to poor communication. Many citizens do not know eID at all. In addition, identification with the identity card is only possible with a card reader, which must be paid for by the user himself. To make eID more interesting, the German government presented innovations at CeBIT. With the “AusweisApp2” software, digital administrative procedures should also be made easier with mobile devices. The app available for smartphones and tablets (soon also available for iPhone) does not require any additional hardware.
German companies press ahead
An alliance of large German companies is working on a completely different master key for the network. The corporations Allianz, Deutsche Bank, Axel Springer, Postbank and Daimler are planning a new technology with which people can identify themselves better, easier and more securely on websites. The system should make it possible for users to use all services of the connected companies on the network at the same time – the identification process is consistent. For many, the master key represents serious competition for the eID in connection with the identity card. It is also intended for online trading or communication with insurance companies.
New law to strengthen eID
The federal government is now planning a new law to make the new identity card more attractive. The plan is that the new ID card will have an active eID function from the outset. The scheme is also intended to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and thus simplify the certification process. In a second attempt, the identity card is to become a widely used authentication instrument.
This article was originally published on LinkedIn.
