EUDI Wallet: Use Cases
The digital era has brought about profound changes in how individuals interact with various online services and conduct their daily lives. The European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet) stands as a global solution, revolutionizing the way Europeans manage and secure their digital identities. In this article we will explore the diverse use cases of the EUDI Wallet, backed by real-world examples, and demonstrate their impact on the lives of European citizens.
1. Secure access to Government Services
Who has never had the experience of standing in a seemingly endless line at a government office? The infinite wait, the ticking clock... But what if the EUDI Wallet offers an escape from it all by enabling European residents to submit credentials on their smartphone, rather than going to a government office?
For example, an Italian citizen, Laura, can use her EUDI Wallet to securely access her government's online portal to file her annual tax returns, renew her driver's license, and apply for healthcare benefits. This streamlines her interactions with public services, reducing bureaucracy and wait times of in-person appointments.
2. Online Banking and Financial Services
Opening an online bank account or applying for a bank loan are processes that typically include the need for the user to repeatedly provide their personal information, setting up physical appointments, collecting and signing multiple paper documents. Usually, it is a very time-consuming step.
By using the EUDI Wallet, the user only selects the necessary documents that are stored locally on his digital wallet to reply to the bank’s request. Thereafter, verifiable digital documents are created and sent securely for verification to the bank, who can then continue with the application process.
For example, Henrik, a Swedish entrepreneur, can rely on his EUDI Wallet for secure access to his online bank accounts, where he manages investments, pays bills, and authorizes financial transactions. The EUDI Wallet adds an extra layer of security to his financial dealings.
3. Registration for a SIM card
Registering for a new phone contract can sometimes be as demanding as opening a bank account. The EUDI Wallet can offer a secure digital ID suitable for activating pre-paid & post-paid mobile telephone contracts online, including cross-border subscriptions. It will help with the user verification (user provides personal information) and consent management (the user can grant the service provider permission to access specific data in their EUDI Wallet). It can also help to reduce fraud and costs for mobile network operators.
For example, Juan, a Spanish teenager who just arrived in Luxembourg for his studies wants to subscribe to a new mobile operator. He uses his EUDI Wallet to share data without revealing unnecessary personal information to the operator. The mobile operator can easily verify the identity of Juan and register him for a new SIM card.
4. Mobile Driving License
Motorists who drive without carrying a copy of their license could be liable to a fine. By using EUDI Wallet, drivers will not need to carry a paper or card version of their licenses but have it on their phone instead. The EUDI Wallet allows the storage and presentation of the mobile driving license in both online and physical interactions in a safe, simple, and helpful way.
For example, Pierre, a Belgium sales director, spends a lot of time in the car to go from a customer office to another. His EUDI Wallet allows him to provide his driving license for easily renting a car and if he is controlled by the police on the road within the European Union (EU), is making his travels hassle-free.
5. eSignatures
The ability to electronically sign documents is another important use case for the EUDI Wallet. It is a secure qualified digital signature that will enable all citizens across Europe to sign documents and declarations remotely.
For example, Emmy, a German lawyer, can use her EUDI Wallet to electronically sign legal documents, including contracts, affidavits, and court filings. This not only saves time but also ensures the authenticity and integrity of the documents for her and her clients.
6. ePrescriptions
Peoples’ access and control over their health data is currently limited, even though it is recognized as a European right. The EUDI Wallet can allow the access but also the sharing of health data in a citizen-controlled manner and store a number of health-related documents (patient summaries, prescriptions, vaccination card, laboratory results ...).
For example, as a patient, I can have my prescription always with me on my phone and present it to a pharmacist, so that she/he can deliver my medication without me bringing a printout of the prescription. As a pharmacist, I can check the patient’s prescription (done by a doctor in another European country) by scanning a QR code on her/his EUDI Wallet, so that I have a quicker and more secure method for delivering medication.
7. The storage and display of digital travel credentials
The EUDI Wallet plays a key role in realizing the concept of paperless travel in Europe. Citizens can use it to pass through border security checks, book flights, trains, or accommodation, and even access medical services while traveling. The goal is to meet the challenges of fluidity, travel experience and control, while maintaining a high level of security at border crossings.
For example, Jacques, a French businessman, travels frequently within the EU for work. His EUDI Wallet allows him to pass through airport security and immigration quickly, as it securely stores his passport details and biometric data, making his travels stress-free.
For airline company, this will allow a self-service touchless process. This vision of an automated and frictionless journey through the airport offers a better experience for travelers and a major opportunity to speed up passenger processing at busy international transport hubs or borders. It also helps ensure that airlines and other travel providers meet their regulatory obligations.
Conclusion
Beyond these 7 daily-life use cases, the EUDI Wallet can be used for proving that someone is a legitimate representative of an organization, verifying a user’s identity when initiating a payment online but also to hold a proof of possession for educational credentials, such as diplomas and certificates making it easier to apply for jobs or further education. The EUDI Wallet is a game-changer, offering a large range of use cases that simplify and enhance the digital lives of European citizens. From online banking access to government services to secure eSignatures and cross-border travel convenience, the EUDI Wallet empowers individuals with control over their digital identities. By promoting privacy, security, and efficiency, it not only benefits users but also fosters digital innovation across various sectors. It paves the way for a more connected and secure Europe, where individuals can confidently navigate the digital landscape, knowing their identities are protected and their interactions are efficient. As it continues to evolve, the EUDI Wallet is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of digital identity in Europe and beyond.