European Union: Adopted Regulation establishing a framework for a European Digital Identity by Council

On 26 March 2024, the Council of the European Union adopted the regulation establishing a framework for a European Digital Identity (eID). The eID aims to allow universal access to secure and reliable electronic identification and authentication through a personal digital wallet on mobile phones to enable individuals to prove their identity without having to use the identification mechanisms provided by commercial providers. The regulation would require each Member State to approve at least one national Wallet, which would then be rendered interoperable at the EU level, and it would have to follow minimum security features to protect personal identification data. Furthermore, the regulation includes provisions regarding qualified web authentication certificates (QWACs) that would enable individuals to determine the ownership of the website. Furthermore, the regulation requires platforms designated as gatekeepers under the Digital Markets Act to provide free and seamless interoperability for business users of European digital identity wallets and electronic identification means to enable access to operating systems, hardware, and software features regardless of the gatekeeper's utilisation of these features. The regulation will come into force 20 days following its publication in the Official Journal and will be implemented by 2026.