Articles
What is eIDAS Regulation?
In today’s digital era, secure and reliable interactions between citizens, businesses, and public administrations are essential. To address this need, the European Union introduced the eIDAS Regulation (electronic IDentification, Authentication and trust Services), formally known as Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 (EUR-Lex). This regulatory framework aims to establish a common foundation for secure electronic interactions within the EU, fostering trust in online services and facilitating cross-border electronic commerce.
Main Objectives of the eIDAS Regulation
The eIDAS Regulation seeks to:
- Ensure Interoperability: By setting common standards for electronic identification and trust services, eIDAS ensures that national systems can operate seamlessly together, facilitating access to digital services across the EU.
- Enhance Security and Trust: By providing a clear regulatory framework, the regulation increases the security of electronic transactions and strengthens user confidence in digital services.
- Promote the Digital Single Market: By facilitating cross-border electronic transactions, eIDAS contributes to the development of a more integrated and efficient European Digital Single Market.
Scope of Application
The eIDAS Regulation primarily governs two areas:
- Electronic Identification and Authentication: It defines how electronic identities issued by one Member State can be mutually recognized by other Member States, facilitating access to cross-border online services.
- Trust Services: It regulates services such as electronic signatures, electronic seals, electronic time stamps, electronic registered delivery services, and website authentication certificates. These services are essential for ensuring the integrity and authenticity of electronic communications.
Types of Electronic Signatures
eIDAS identifies three types of electronic signatures:
- Simple Electronic Signature: Data in electronic form attached to or logically associated with other electronic data used by the signatory to sign.
- Advanced Electronic Signature (AES): Must meet specific requirements, including being uniquely linked to the signatory, capable of identifying the signatory, created using means under the signatory’s sole control, and linked to the data signed in such a way that any subsequent change is detectable.
- Qualified Electronic Signature (QES): In addition to the AES requirements, it must be created using a qualified electronic signature creation device and based on a qualified certificate for electronic signatures, having the same legal effect as a handwritten signature.
Benefits for Citizens and Businesses
The adoption of the eIDAS Regulation offers numerous benefits:
- Simplified Access to Services: Citizens can use their national electronic identification to access public and private services in other Member States, reducing the need for multiple registrations.
- Reduced Costs and Bureaucracy: Businesses can interact electronically with public administrations and other companies more efficiently, eliminating bureaucratic barriers and associated costs.
- Increased Security in Transactions: The use of regulated trust services enhances the security and reliability of electronic transactions, protecting against fraud and tampering.
Implementation in Italy
In Italy, the Agency for Digital Italy (AgID) is responsible for implementing the eIDAS Regulation. AgID has adopted technical rules for qualified electronic registered delivery services and promotes the interoperability of national electronic identification systems with European ones. Additionally, Italy has developed the Italian eIDAS node, which serves as a connection point in the interoperability architecture of European electronic identification.
Conclusion
The eIDAS Regulation represents a significant step towards a more integrated and secure digital Europe. By establishing common standards for electronic identification and trust services, it facilitates cross-border interactions, promotes trust in online services, and contributes to the development of the Digital Single Market. For citizens and businesses, this translates into easier and more secure access to digital services throughout the European Union.