Ease of use, privacy and security, the challenges shared by Public Administrations and companies for an efficient digital identity

Ease of use, privacy and security, the challenges shared by Public Administrations and companies for an efficient digital identity.

Technology experts from different Spanish public organisations - such as the Ministry for Digital Transformation and the Civil Service, the Basque Country Electronic Identification (Izenpe) and the National Police - consider that private companies and the Administration face very similar challenges when it comes to digital identity.

'Trusted Digital Identities. Ease of use, privacy and security in the Public Sector' was the topic addressed in the latest debate organised by Inetum's Public Sector Observatory OSPI, which highlighted the importance of the evolution of digital identity systems, from the electronic ID card to European Union initiatives such as the eIDAS2 Regulation (which received the backing of the European Parliament on 29 February), as well as the importance of offering accessible and easy-to-use solutions for all citizens.

Moderated by Víctor M. Izquierdo, president of Inetum's Public Sector Observatory, this debate has counted with the participation of Juan Crespo Sánchez, chief commissioner of the IT and Communications Unit of the National Police; Ángel L. Martín Bautista, deputy assistant director of Planning and Governance of the Digital Administration (Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Administration); Izaskun Urrestarazu, CEO of Izenpe; and Carlos Pastor Matut, Director of Blockchain Strategy at Inetum.

The new EU legislation on ID represents an important step towards the creation of a common framework for digital identity in Europe, with the aim of strengthening territorial cohesion, consolidating the single market, promoting security and interoperability, and protecting citizens' privacy in the digital environment. In this regard, as Juan Crespo, chief commissioner of the National Police's IT and Communications Unit, points out, ‘Spain stands out for its good position in terms of digital identification, with projects such as the virtual DNI, which will allow the DNI to be carried on the mobile phone’.

From the Ministry for Digital Transformation and the Civil Service, Ángel L. Martín Bautista agrees with this idea: ‘Spain is in a privileged position with the electronic ID card, providing citizens with a unique identification in a secure way’. Experts underline that, as the world moves towards an increasingly digital environment, the demand for more efficient and transparent processes in all sectors has been growing.

Thus, the drive towards an accessible, secure and user-friendly digital identity is crucial in today's landscape. The convergence towards unified digital standards highlights the importance of digital identity as a fundamental component for the successful adoption of digital solutions in society.

In this regard, Inetum, Europe's leading provider of digital services and solutions, is pursuing initiatives related to technology usability and user experience assessment in digital services, collaborating with Incibe and the EU on projects that emphasise user-friendliness and accessibility for all citizens.

Inetum is also recognised for its self-managed digital identity solution, Dalion, positioned to become an ally of both Administrations and companies when the eIDAS2 Regulation comes into force.

In this forum, Izaskun Urrestarazu, from Izenpe (Electronic identification of the Basque Country), explains the development they have carried out in this organisation, extending identity to companies and legal entities, taking certificates to the cloud and preparing the adaptation to the eIDAS2 Regulation once it has come into force: ‘The digitalisation of the identification process, especially with certification in the cloud, has undoubtedly meant a significant advance, which has contributed to improving usability’.

Carlos Pastor, Director of Blockchain Strategy at Inetum, concluded: ‘We understand that effective digital identity is much more than simply ensuring security and data protection. It is an ongoing commitment to ease of use for users, interoperability between platforms, and building a strong trust relationship through transparency and privacy protection. It is essential to address these challenges in a holistic manner to deliver a seamless and secure digital identity experience for all.

From this Observatory, it is important to provide accessible and easy-to-use solutions for all citizens, which not only ensure the inclusion of people of all ages and abilities, but also promote fairness in access to digital services. By designing intuitive interfaces and simplified processes, it removes technological barriers and encourages active participation in the digital society and strengthens social cohesion in an increasingly connected world. 

Inetum's Public Sector Observatory gathers initiatives that are carried out in Public Administrations and encourages the debate around them, and on this occasion addresses the situation of digital identity, with the aim of putting on the table a series of challenges that go beyond security and data protection and power to offer an optimal digital identity experience for all citizens.

Download here the OSPI Report