eIDAS (Electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services) is a European Union (EU) regulation implemented in 2014 to ensure secure and reliable electronic identification and trust services across the EU. The regulation facilitates electronic interactions between businesses, citizens, and public authorities within the EU by establishing common standards for electronic identification, authentication, and trust services. eIDAS 2.0 is the latest and updated version of that rule and aims to solve its shortcomings. 

Download our newest whitepaper and discover the benefits, merits and industries of application of eIDAS 2 and AML6. 

What is eIDAS 2.0? 

eIDAS2, also known as eIDAS 2.0, is the latest version of the regulation. The first eIDAS 2.0 draft was introduced in 2018 (and has been developed since). This update builds upon the original eIDAS law and aims to enhance further the security and reliability of electronic identification and trust services within the EU.  

Overall, eIDAS 2.0 is an essential update to the original version. It expands the rule’s scope to include more types of electronic trust services and introduces the concept of qualified trust service providers. Furthermore, by establishing common standards and requirements for electronic identification and trust services, eIDAS 2.0 aims to create a more seamless and secure digital environment within the EU.  

One of the main challenges faced by eIDAS 2.0 is the need to ensure that the regulation is implemented consistently across all EU member states. The original eIDAS implementation has varied across different member states, which has led to inconsistencies and difficulties in using electronic identification and trust services.  

eIDAS 2.0 addresses this issue by introducing more detailed requirements and guidelines for implementing the regulation. These include the technical and operational requirements for trust service providers and guidelines for the supervision and enforcement of the standards. By establishing more detailed and consistent policies, eIDAS 2.0 aims to ensure that the regulation is implemented consistently across all EU member states.  

When will eIDAS2 be in force? 

On June 3, 2021, the final eIDAS 2.0 proposal was published to amend eIDAS shortcomings and establish a method whereby everyone can obtain a recognised digital identity even more efficiently.  

However, the implementation of this new eIDAS 2.0 has yet to be carried out. It is expected to be in force by September 2023, when all EU Member States will be obliged to ensure that a Digital Identity Wallet (DIW) is available to all EU citizens, residents, and businesses. Nonetheless, the proposal sets a target of 2030 for at least 80% of citizens to have a digital identification system that they can use to operate with administrations and businesses across the EU remotely in complete security. 

eIDAS 2.0 proposal: amending the first version’s shortcomings 

One of the fundamental changes introduced by eIDAS 2.0 is the expansion of the scope of the regulation to include more types of electronic trust services. The original eIDAS regulation only applied to electronic signatures, electronic seals, and electronic time stamps. The eIDAS 2 proposal expands the scope to include additional trust services such as electronic registered delivery services, electronic certificates for authentication, and electronic seals for electronic documents.  

Another significant change introduced by the eIDAS 2.0 regulation is the introduction of the concept of “qualified trust service providers” (QTSPs). These are trust service providers who meet the highest standards of security and reliability set by the EU. As a result, QTSPs are subject to more stringent requirements and must undergo regular audits to ensure that they continue to meet the required standards.  

One of the main goals of eIDAS 2.0 is to create a more seamless and secure digital environment within the EU. By establishing common standards and requirements for electronic identification and trust services, eIDAS 2.0 aims to facilitate more accessible and secure electronic interactions between businesses, citizens, and public authorities. This will help to reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft and make it easier for individuals and companies to access online services and conduct transactions securely.  

eIDAS 2.0 also aims to promote the use of electronic identification and trust services within the EU. By establishing common standards and requirements, the regulation makes it easier for businesses and individuals to use electronic identification and trust services across the EU. This is particularly important for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which may need more resources or expertise to develop their electronic identification and trust services.  

eIDAS 2.0 wallet: the universal right to a digital identity 

In addition to the changes and updates described above, eIDAS2 also introduced the concept of the EU Identity Wallet. The EU Identity Wallet is a digital platform that allows individuals and businesses to store and manage their electronic identification and trust services securely and conveniently.  

The Digital Wallet is designed to make it easier for individuals and businesses to access online services, conduct transactions securely and operate and travel cross-border. It allows users to store and manage their electronic identification and trust services, such as electronic signatures and certificates, in a single, convenient location, making it easier for users to access and use their data and certificates whenever necessary.  

One of its main benefits is its interoperability with other digital platforms and services within the EU. This means that users can easily use it on different platforms and services without the need to register or set up separate accounts (I.e., travelling, applications, medical assistance, etc.)  

Overall, the eWallet is an essential part of eIDAS2, as it helps to promote the use of electronic identification and trust services within the EU, giving them access and manageability of all their data, medical records, certificates, etc. 

Read this article to learn more about how the EU eWallet works and how it will affect businesses, institutions and citizens. 

How to get ahead of the curve of eIDAS 2 regulation 

In conclusion, using qualified electronic signatures and video identification can be beneficial in eIDAS 2 regulation in several ways. These technologies can help to improve the security and reliability of electronic identification within the EU, as they provide strong and verifiable forms of KYC for institutions and businesses, and boost their conversion rates while in compliance, as they are easy to use, fast, legally binding, and user-friendly.  

In addition, using these technologies can help reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft and make it easier for individuals and businesses to access online services and conduct transactions securely. Overall, using qualified electronic signatures and video identification for KYC can play a crucial role in supporting the goals of eIDAS 2 and promoting a more seamless and secure digital environment within the EU.  

Book a demo to discover the onboarding technology compliant with eIDAS 2 and AML6.