Self reflection
It was interesting to explore all kind of information that is available about me in digital format and environment. Altogether it forms my digital identity that will enable an easy and secure way to run errands with public and private services in the future (Ministry of Finance Finland 2022). While completing this assignment, I came across a Digital Identity-wallet project, which is at the moment prepared by EU.
European digital identity is a digital tool, which will be used for the authentication process and the transfer of personal data both in public and private services sectors, as well as, for payment and electronic signing across national borders. It will be available for EU citizens and people living in EU area. Digital ID, payment method and other official documents, such as, driving license and diplomas might be stored in a digital wallet. Such actions as opening a bank account, applying to a university and verifying own age will be possible with unified European digital identity and wallet. (Recommendation on a common Union Toolbox for a coordinated approach towards a European Digital Identity Framework 946/2021/EC. Recommendation 946/2021/EC of the European Commission. Official Journal of the European Union, L210, 14 June 2021, pp. 51-54.)
Surely, it would be useful to have a harmonized system within the EU region; and it will probably be easier to control own data if all documents could be accessed from one place. However, it does raise a question once again concerning cybersecurity and sharing sensitive information with third parties. I am highly curious to find out how will the European digital identity and wallet-project be utilized in practice.
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References
Ahola, N. & Hirvonen, J. 2021. Digitalisaation huipulla- ja reunalla: Verkkopalvelujen käyttö ja digisyrjäytyminen Helsingissä ja Suomessa. Helsingin kaupunki, kaupunginkanslia, kaupunkitieto. Helsinki. Available at: https://www.hel.fi/hel2/tietokeskus/julkaisut/pdf/21_04_16_Tutkimuksia%202_Hirvonen.pdf. Accessed: 28 November 2022.
Kanta 2020. Omakanta. Available at: https://www.kanta.fi/omakanta. Accessed: 17 October 2022.
Kela 2021. With you throughout life – Supporting you through times of change. Available at: https://www.kela.fi/purpose-and-values. Accessed: 15 October 2022.
Kela 2022. Eurooppalainen sairaanhoitokortti. Available at: https://www.kela.fi/eurooppalainen-sairaanhoitokortti. Accessed: 16 October 2022.
Kuusisto, O., Merisalo, M., Kääriäinen, J., Hänninen, R., Karhinen, J., Korpela, V., Pajula, L., Pihlajamaa, O., Taipale, S. & Wilska, T-A. 2022. Digiosallisuus Suomessa. Valtioneuvoston kanslia. Helsinki. Available at: https://julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/163789/VNTEAS_2022_10.pdf. Accessed: 28 November 2022.
Ministry of Finance Finland. 2022. Digital identity. Available at: https://vm.fi/en/digital-identity. Accessed: 10 December 2022.
Suomi.fi 2022. Tietoa Suomi.fi-tunnistuksesta. Available at: https://tunnistautuminen.suomi.fi/sivut/info/tietoapalvelusta/. Accessed: 17 October 2022.