It is now possible for the Italian residents to easily digitize their identity documents through an application. The IT-Wallet represents Italy’s version of the EU Digital Identity Wallet Initiatve. This initiative according to the European Commission is designed to offer a safe, private and trutswrothy method of digital identifications for all Europeans.
Despite the major pushback from privacy advocates who already warned of potential surveillance and security threats, the European initiative was approved last year.
Italians beginning from 4th of December, 2024 have been able to make use of the IT-Wallet feature. Using it, people can digitally scan their driving license and health cards directly through the IO app which serves as public services platform of Italy.
Plans are in place to broaden the project to add additional documents like ID cards and passports while introducing new features like medical appoinment bookings, payment options and transportation services.
This rollout follows a pilot program which already commenced at the end of October and has engaged 50,000 participants. Meanwhile other European nations including Germany, France and Luxembourg are currently testing their own version of the EU digital wallet.
While the European Union maintains that ID wallets will simplify and boost the security of identity verification for citizens, the ongoing rollout continues to raise eyebrows among the commentators.The EU ID Wallet has been a topic isolated from the outset which has generated considerable tension among policmakers.
As noted by Mozilla’s Head of Global Product Policy, Udbhav Tiwari in Septemeber 2023, having all identity documents collected in one app undobteldy is convenient, however it also raises concerns about enabling governments to monitor its citizens in a better way.
Security remains a pressing issue, specially in the light of frequent data breaches which now have become a routine with medical records being the prime target of the attackers.
Tech Journalist
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