SECURE BY DESIGN

We use physical identity cards daily in many situations. A card represents our association with an organisation or permission to do something (like drive a car, enter a building, board an aircraft, etc.). It can also confirm our legal age, name, contact information, or income.

So, let’s put our identity cards on a mobile phone. Simple, right? No, this is not trustworthy. It takes seconds to photograph an identity card using a phone. A simple image of an identity card on a phone or in a wallet app is not trustworthy on its owIdentity cards play a crucial role in our everyday lives. They establish our connections with organisations and grant us permissions essential for activities like driving, entering secure locations, or boarding flights. Furthermore, they serve to verify key personal details, such as our age, name, contact information, and income.

Imagine the ease of having our identity cards securely stored on our mobile phones. While this may seem convenient, a simple photograph of an identity card on a phone or in a wallet app is not reliable on its own. Given that smartphones cannot be deemed fully trustworthy, we need a robust system for digital identity cards that instills confidence in verifiers (also known as relying parties).

For a verifier to trust the information presented, it must be intact and match the official records held by the identity card issuer. A secure digital identity card emerges when the issuer places it on a verified platform. The ORGiD platform electronically signs the data, and ensures it is securely provided via a verified website. Access is restricted to authenticated users, known as “Bearers.” Every detail — from the name and portrait image to the date of birth — is signed and can be verified through any capable device at a Registered Reader (orgid.app/verify). Embracing this technology means enhancing security and trust in our digital identities.