Balance UX and KYC with eIDAS electronic identification (eID)

This term refers to the process of verifying a person’s identity using electronic means. It is the digital substitute for in-person identity verification (e.g. showing one’s ID card or passport to an authorized party).

Electronic identification typically involves processing a scanned copy of an ID document. Moreover, it includes a biometric data scan and/or a liveness check. It could also mean asking for the user’s secret PIN to confirm their identity.

The exact steps and their order depend on where the user is attempting to verify themselves and for what purpose. For instance, one may use a password or biometric data (face scan, fingerprint scan) to open a mobile banking app.

However, more complex operations usually require a more detailed process. For example, to receive a qualified certificate for eSigning , the user needs to scan a valid ID or passport. They also go through a liveness check and create a secret password.

Evrotrust further verifies this information, comparing the document’s validity against the relevant government registry. Our process involves both AI and manual verification steps to ensure the utmost security and accuracy.

Once the user has passed the initial verification and receives a QES certificate, they can identify themselves with their password whenever they need to sign a document electronically.

Electronic identification substantially cuts down the time and cost necessary to verify and onboard customers. It expands the range of online services businesses can offer to end users by enabling accurate automated remote identification.

In particular, eIdentification is advantageous in the following ways:

• Faster, more cost-effective alternative to attended remote verification (that requires staff);
• Built-in AML and legal compliance;
• Quick and secure customer onboarding to promote business growth;
• Validity across the entire EU and some non-EU countries – expand into new markets and look for clients even abroad;
• Futureproofing your business and streamlining your workflows by going digital;
• No liability for your business or organization in case of a misidentification.

These are just a few of the ways in which eIdentification can improve your services.

Depending on where the user is trying to identify themselves, the process may or may not involve facial recognition. For instance, at the initial registration for a qualified electronic signature certificate, facial recognition is part of the liveness check. As such, it helps us prevent identity fraud at sign-up.

Nevertheless, subsequent use of the Evrotrust app often works without further facial recognition to improve user experience. 

Sometimes, we may ask for another liveness check with facial recognition for added security.

Yes, eIdentification, when performed by a qualified trust services provider, is safe. Qualified trust service providers such as Evrotrust employ a robust level of security measures to protect the personal data of our users.

As for reliability, the combination of secure programming, machine learning, and manual verificationensures Evrotrust delivers safe and trustworthy eIdentification solutions.

In electronic identification, eID (eIdentity) refers to a solution containing an entity’s set of personal data that can be used to confirm their identity online. 

The European Commission has asked each EU country to release its own national eID scheme that is compatible with those of other member states. Thus, the user’s eID will have EU-wide validity.

Evrotrust is a recognized eID scheme under the eIDAS regulation.