Government Official Predicts Availability of Smartphone Identification System in 18 Months
Federal Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger (CDU) affirmatively announced that the development of the innovative digital ID card is progressing according to schedule. Speaking at the "Technology Experience Convention" organized by Handelsblatt and the digital division of the Schwarz Group in Heilbronn, Wildberger expressed optimism about the development of the digital wallet.
The app, which incorporates various functionalities beyond online identification, is expected to be launched by the end of 2026 or as early as 2027. Notwithstanding the eagerness surrounding the project, Wildberger cautioned against unrealistic expectations, stating, "We must not overpromise and cannot do everything on the first day."
Rather than merely being an online ID, the digital identity card will enable citizens to digitally sign documents and open bank accounts. The digital wallet will also house a variety of documents, including driver's licenses, health cards, certificates, and vaccination passports. The use of digital identity is voluntary.
Wildberger described the initiative as a comprehensive digitalization effort, encompassing an ID card, driver's license, and public transportation tickets among other items. Credit cards and certificates can be included. He asserted, "This is a digitalization that reaches people and makes their lives easier."
The project, already initiated by the traffic light government, aligns with an EU regulation requiring all member states to provide at least one state ID application by 2027. Notably, digital ID cards have become a standard in EU countries such as Estonia.
The digital ID card's rollout plans and features are yet to be fully unveiled, pending further updates from relevant German authorities. However, the development of the digital ID card forms a significant part of Germany's pursuit of modernizing the public sector and enhancing digital sovereignty on the continent. With approximately 80% of digital payments in Europe currently managed by companies beyond the EU, there is a pressing need to create trustworthy alternatives.
Citizens may soon manage their smartphones to store various gadgets like driver's licenses, health cards, and vaccination passports, thanks to the progress of the digital ID card development. The digital wallet, which is part of this initiative, aims to provide an all-encompassing digitalization solution, reaching people and making their lives easier by digitally signing documents and facilitating online banking.
