BankID, Sweden’s leading e-identification system, is set to revolutionize the way we carry and verify our identity documents. Starting from June 19, individuals with a mobile BankID and a valid passport or national ID card will have the convenience of activating a digital ID card directly on their smartphones. While the acceptance of this digital ID card as a valid identity document remains at the discretion of individual companies, Finansiell ID-Teknik, the organization behind BankID, envisions a wide range of applications. This includes using the digital ID card for age-restricted purchases, collecting parcels, and authenticating oneself at customer clubs.
Petter Dahl, an e-identification expert at Finansiell ID-Teknik, foresees a future where physical ID documents can be left at home, stating, “In the long term, we hope that you can leave the ID documents at home.”
Postnord and DHL have already expressed their intention to accept the digital ID card for package pick-ups, even before the official launch. However, it is important to note that the digital ID card is not currently valid for travel purposes such as flights or trips abroad.
To get started with digital identification, users need to activate the feature within the BankID app and scan the chip embedded in their passport or national ID card using their smartphone. It’s worth mentioning that driver’s licenses are not compatible with this feature. The app retrieves relevant information from the physical ID document, including the user’s photograph registered with the police. The digital ID card retains the same validity period as the physical ID document and is securely stored only on the user’s activated phone.
When it comes to presenting the ID card for verification, users must enter a pin code or use biometric authentication methods such as fingerprint or facial recognition. Once activated, the ID card remains active for two minutes. Notably, the digital ID document includes a dynamic QR code that can be easily read by merchants or postal service agents. The background of the ID card is animated, and touching the screen while the card is active triggers blurring effects accompanied by an audible notification.
It’s worth mentioning that BankID’s competitor, Freja, already offers a similar function as part of its e-identification service. However, Freja’s solution does not require the linkage to a passport or national ID card. Nevertheless, it enables users to verify their identity at numerous post offices and retail stores.
The introduction of digital ID cards on mobile phones marks a significant advancement in identity verification technology. With the convenience and accessibility it offers, this innovative solution has the potential to streamline various aspects of daily life for residents and expatriates in Sweden. As more companies adopt the use of digital ID cards, we may witness a shift towards a society where physical identification documents become obsolete. It will be interesting to monitor the progress of this technology and observe its integration into various sectors in the future.
In conclusion, BankID’s launch of digital ID cards on mobile phones provides a glimpse into a more efficient and user-friendly future. While the current implementation has its limitations, such as travel-related usage, it nonetheless promises to simplify age-restricted purchases, package pick-ups, and customer club authentication. As users embrace this new technology, it will be fascinating to witness the broader impact and potential future developments in the realm of digital identification.
