A Network Approach to E-identification

6.2.2 Value added services
So far we have regarded e-ID as an abstract service. In reality, there can be various different
services derived from secure authentication. In many European countries, there is a
basic need for secure login to governmental websites and applications that hold valuable
and privacy sensitive information. In addition to secure login, one could think of the
following additional features for the e-ID network:
− Single sign-on: this can help to facilitate transactions that involve multiple E-service
Providers, where otherwise the End User would have to login multiple times.
− Digital signing: the secure authentication means can be used to create electronic
signatures, for example to enable document signing.
− Attribute collection: the End User can authorise the collection of additional information
about the person or entity, e.g. address, nationality.
− Attribute verification: it is not always necessary to obtain personal information, but
verification of a claimed (sub-)identity can be sufficient. A good example is age verification
(e.g. is this person over 18).
− Mandate management: within companies, employees act on behalf of their
company when using specific electronic services. A company may want to delegate
authorisations for the use of these services so that access to these services by can
be managed efficiently.
During the development of the e-ID scheme the value added services could be kept
in mind. Decisions have to be made about features that are part of the core functionality
(collaborative) and the services that could possibly be added to the proposition (competitive).
Leaving room for additional services could stimulate innovation and further growth
of the network.
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