A Network Approach to E-identification

Because the concept of e-Recognition is relatively new and can be carried out on top of
e-identification we will use the term e-identity throughout this document.
This is also more in line with existing documentation addressing the subject and will
avoid confusion for the reader. To avoid any confusion, we give our definitions of identification
and authorization as they are used within this document. Identification is generally
defined as linking a set of specific data to a person to distinguish that person from
other persons. Authentication is the verification of a claimed identity with the objective
of recognising a person or user.
2.3 Outline of this document
In the next chapter the importance and urgency of a pan-European approach to e-ID is
explained. The current situation in Europe with regard to the implementation of the
Services Directive is given and lessons learned are identified. In Chapter 4 the basic principles
of the network approach to e-ID are explained. Chapter 5 shows an example of
how the network approach could work for cross-border e-ID. The final chapter provides
the conclusions and opportunities.
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