eIDAS

A regulation adopted by the European Union (EU) in 2014 and became effective on July 1, 2016. The eIDAS regulation provides a framework for the use of electronic signatures, seals, time stamps, and other electronic trust services across the EU member states. The main objective of eIDAS is to ensure that electronic transactions can be carried out with the same legal effect as paper-based transactions. The regulation establishes a set of standards and requirements for electronic trust services, including electronic signatures, electronic seals, electronic time stamps, electronic delivery services, and website authentication.

Electronic Signatures

eIDAS defines three levels of electronic signatures: simple, advanced, and qualified. Simple and advanced electronic signatures can be created using various methods, such as typing a name, drawing a signature on a touchscreen, or using a biometric signature pad. Qualified electronic signatures must meet specific technical requirements and are created using a qualified electronic signature creation device (QSCD).

Electronic Identification and Authentication

The eIDAS regulation also establishes a framework for electronic identification and authentication (eID) across the EU, providing a common set of technical and legal standards for cross-border recognition of eIDs. This enables citizens and businesses to use their national eID schemes to access online services in other EU member states.

Recent Amendment

The eIDAS Regulation was fundamentally amended by Regulation (EU) 2024/1183 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024. The main purpose of the amendment is to introduce a voluntary digital wallet (European Digital Identity) that member states must issue at the request of EU citizens.