Celebrating a Year of Achievements: "eID.li" Turns Electronic Identity into Reality
Liechtenstein has taken a significant step forward in digital transformation with the launch of its groundbreaking e-government solution, eID.li, in 2020. This innovative digital identity system, developed by youniqx Identity AG, a subsidiary of the Austrian State Printing House (OSD), has been awarded to the European Trust Service GmbH, a joint venture of OSD and CRYPTAS International GmbH [1].
eID.li empowers Liechtenstein citizens to carry official documents like driver's licenses on their smartphones, radically transforming digital identity management in the country. Some of the key features and advancements of eID.li include digital accessibility, EU Wallet integration, compliance with international standards, enhanced security and privacy, digital identity portfolio management, and improved user experience and efficiency [1][2].
Digital accessibility allows users to store and access documents such as driver's licenses digitally on their mobile devices, enhancing ease of use and accessibility. The system is integrating with the EU Wallet, an initiative to harmonize digital identities across European countries, further expanding its interoperability and utility across borders [1].
eID.li adheres to international identity and security standards such as W3C verifiable credentials, ISO 18013 for mobile driving licenses, and eIDAS for electronic identification within the EU framework [2]. The use of biometrics and decentralized authentication methods enables secure and phishing-resistant verification processes, ensuring that identity data is controlled by the user and protected from unauthorized access [2].
Users maintain full control over their digital credentials stored in a personal portfolio, allowing for selective sharing and use in various authentication scenarios including government and travel [2]. The system supports ultrarapid and seamless identification processes, reducing wait times at checkpoints and simplifying interactions with government services [2].
Since its launch, eID.li has been described as a "gamechanger" in Liechtenstein’s e-government landscape, suggesting continuous improvements and expansions in its capabilities and integrations with other digital systems [1]. The roll-out of the Digital COVID Certificate for eID.li users will be complete by July 1 [3].
The eID.li system benefits from advancements in secure hardware and software solutions such as Infineon’s SECORA™ ID V2 and eID-OS, which provide enhanced security, faster transaction speeds, and compliance with advanced Common Criteria certifications, facilitating the deployment of flexible and robust eID applications [4][5].
Close cooperation was established with Nok Nok Labs for ensuring the highest security for all sensitive personal data [6]. CRYPTAS International GmbH is a partner in the Liechtenstein eID project through European Trust Service GmbH, and the CRYPTAS team is responsible for the development of the Principality's central eID integration platform [7].
As of now, more than 12,000 citizens of the Principality have activated their personal eID.li since its launch, and around one third of all Liechtenstein citizens are using it for digital government services [8]. youniqx Identity AG has established itself as an international pioneer for secure eID solutions, having also implemented the digital driving licence in the Republic of Kosovo based on the MIA platform [9].
Work is currently underway to expand eID.li in order to offer citizens further functions. Lukas Praml, CEO of the Austrian State Printing House, emphasized that the launch of eID.li was the second time an electronic identity was made reality for a European partner country [10]. The digital identity of the Principality of Liechtenstein, named eID.li, is a modern and simple solution that has met with great interest among the digital-savvy population [11].
Technology plays a significant role in enhancing the user experience and efficiency of eID.li, the digital identity system launched in Liechtenstein in 2020. The system benefits from advancements in secure hardware and software solutions, such as Infineon’s SECORA™ ID V2 and eID-OS, which provide enhanced security, faster transaction speeds, and compliance with advanced Common Criteria certifications.
