Italy takes a step forward in digital innovation, as the country is poised to launch its first official digital wallet – It Wallet – in January 2025. This breakthrough digital solution will legally encase essential citizen documents, including the likes of driver’s licenses and identity cards.
Following the thorough briefing provided by Alessio Butti, the Senator and Undersecretary for Technological Innovation at the Presidency of the Council, the It Wallet is slated for an early next year release. The undersecretary, in an interview with Il Sole 24 Ore, has laid out a roadmap for this project, with an initial digital activation of key documents including the health card, driving license, and European disability card expected by July 2024. A testing phase will commence shortly after in September 2024, allowing an increasing number of users to adopt the It Wallet.
Transforming smartphones into legal document holders, It Wallet will work seamlessly through the latest version of the IO App installed on mobile devices. With either electronic identity cards or the SPID (Public Digital Identity System) for activation, residents of Italy will conveniently carry a digital version of their driving license and other key documents right in their smartphones. This new system liberates drivers from the physical obligation of carrying certain documentation, as long as they keep their devices charged and at hand. However, this digital privilege is exclusive to Italian residents and only valid within Italy until the anticipated European digital license becomes available in 2026.
Undersecretary Butti also emphasizes on the progress towards an interoperable framework that will enable European wallets to converse, ensuring mutual recognition of digital identities. This interconnected system would pave the way for comfortable and secure access to cross-border services, although the comprehensive “Eudi Wallet” interoperability is a work in progress with more time needed for its realization.
Security at the forefront of It Wallet. The project underscores security as a paramount feature where higher level security services will necessitate the use of an electronic identity card, in addition to the SPID. This security design is in compliance with eIDAS2, a European regulation. The digital wallet is also designed to allow users to discern which information they wish to share, enhancing control over personal data while maximizing transparency.
Important Questions and Answers:
1. What is the timeline for the introduction of the It Wallet?
– The initial digital activation for documents such as the health card, driving license, and European disability card is expected by July 2024, followed by a testing phase in September 2024. The official launch is set for January 2025.
2. What documents will the It Wallet contain?
– It will legally encase vital documents like driver’s licenses, identity cards, the health card, and the European disability card.
3. How does one activate the It Wallet?
– It can be activated using electronic identity cards or the SPID (Public Digital Identity System).
4. What are the limitations of the digital wallet’s use?
– Initially, the digital privilege will be exclusive to Italian residents and only valid within Italy. Cross-European validity is expected to start in 2026.
5. What security protocols will the It Wallet follow?
– It will comply with eIDAS2, ensuring high-security levels for user data and controlled data sharing.
Key Challenges and Controversies:
The adoption of digital wallets brings several challenges and potential controversies, including:
– Data Security and Privacy: Ensuring the wallet is secure from cyber threats and the users’ data is kept private is paramount. Any vulnerability or data breach could lead to significant backlash and undermine trust in digital government services.
– Accessibility: Making the system accessible to everyone, including those without smartphones or the elderly who may not be as digitally literate.
– Digital Divide: Concerns may arise over those who are left out due to the digital divide, where some sections of the population might not have access to the necessary technology.
– Interoperability: Creating a framework that allows for smooth interoperability with other European digital wallets while respecting different national regulatory environments.
Advantages:
– Convenience: Citizens can carry essential documents on their smartphones, which reduces the need for physical documents.
– Efficiency: Digital documents can simplify processes, reduce bureaucracy, and save time for both citizens and government agencies.
– Environmentally Friendly: Reducing paper use by digitizing documents.
Disadvantages:
– Dependence on Technology: Reliance on electronic devices might create new problems, such as issues when devices run out of battery or get lost.
– Exclusion Concerns: Risk of marginalizing individuals who either cannot afford or struggle to use modern technology.
– Implementation Costs: The cost of establishing and maintaining a digital infrastructure might be significant.
For further information on digital innovation and e-government services in Europe, you can visit the European Commission’s website at European Commission or you can learn more about eIDAS, the European regulation on electronic identification, at Digital Strategy. Please note that URLs are subject to change and should be checked for validity.