Envision a world where you are the master of your own identity. You decide who sees your name, age, or even your shopping history. That is the promise of self-sovereign identity (SSI)—you control your personal data, while others have no authority over it. This concept directly challenges the traditional model, where governments manage your identity through electronic identity documents (eIDs). But what if these two worlds didn’t need to clash? What if, instead, they could work together to create a more secure digital future?
Let’s dive into the dynamic world of digital identities and explore how SSI and eIDs could become unexpected allies in the fight for data privacy and control.
Identity management: the old guard vs. the new rebels
For decades, identity management followed a simple structure: governments controlled the identities of their citizens. However, with the rise of tech giants, digital identity management expanded rapidly across platforms worldwide. As a result, we, the users, began relying on states, employers, and major corporations to handle our personal data. And trust? Well, that became essential. Think about social media, major software companies, and online retailers — all collecting, storing, and monetizing your information.
But wait! Here comes self-sovereign identity (SSI), a game-changer. With SSI, the power shifts back to the individual. Through software wallets, people can control their digital identity, adding or removing pieces of personal data as they choose. Want to share your university degree with an employer but keep your grocery list private? Done. Even better, your data can be verified by trusted third parties using blockchain or digital signatures, making it tamper-proof and secure.
SSI: the power of control, now in your pocket
While SSI is still in its early stages, exciting projects are making waves. Take the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI), for instance. This initiative is working on the European self-sovereign identity framework (ESSIF). Essentially, this system will allow users to manage their identities according to European regulations. Think of it as a digital ID playground, where decentralized identifiers (DIDs) give users complete control over who can access their information.
And it’s not just the EU making moves. The IDunion project, led by a group of German companies, is building a global, open SSI infrastructure. Meanwhile, GAIA-X, another EU-backed initiative, is working on a secure, cloud-based data infrastructure independent of U.S. tech giants. Welcome to the new era of identity management, where control is finally shifting back to individuals.
The ID wallet: Germany’s experiment with SSI
Germany is already exploring SSI with the ID Wallet, a smartphone app that allows users to manage and share their identity data digitally. The first big test? A digital driving license. If you’re a German citizen with a valid driver’s license, you can use your phone to access car-sharing services and rentals. Simple, right?
However, like any new technology, it faced early challenges. Overwhelmed servers and security flaws led to the app being temporarily removed from stores. But setbacks are part of progress. Despite the hurdles, the ID Wallet remains a promising glimpse into the future of SSI.
Can eID and SSI work together? Absolutely!
Here’s the plot twist: SSI and eIDs aren’t necessarily enemies. Despite their different approaches, these systems have significant potential when combined. Ben Drisch, a cybersecurity expert at cryptovision, believes eIDs could actually enhance SSI. “For example, an eID can serve as a secure, convenient way for users to authenticate themselves when accessing their digital wallet,” says Drisch. “No more fumbling with passwords.”
Moreover, an eID can contribute valuable data to an SSI system. The details on your eID—such as your name, date of birth, or health records—can be securely transferred into your SSI wallet. The advantage? Since the eID is digitally signed by the government, it provides a built-in authenticity check for the transferred data. Talk about a win-win!
What’s next for eID and SSI?
The real question is: will governments allow individuals to take control of their digital identities? If they do, the fusion of SSI and eID could revolutionize personal data management. The EU, through initiatives like EBSI, is showing genuine interest in making this vision a reality. Some governments are even beginning to empower citizens with identity management tools.
However, if governments hesitate, progress may be slower. That said, Europe is currently leading the way in exploring these possibilities. As digital identity continues to evolve, we can expect more initiatives to emerge in the near future.
The takeaway
At first glance, SSI and eID may seem like opposing forces. However, when combined, they could create a more secure, flexible, and user-friendly digital identity system. The real magic will happen if governments fully embrace the shift and empower their citizens with control. Digital identity is evolving rapidly, and we’re just getting started.
