The European Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet is designed to provide citizens with secure, user-friendly, and interoperable digital identity solutions. To achieve this goal, four fundamental principles guide its architecture: user-centricity, interoperability, privacy by design, and security by design. These principles ensure compliance with the European Digital Identity Regulation (EIDAS 2.0) while promoting trust, usability, and seamless cross-border operations.
1. User-centricity: putting the user first
User-centricity is at the heart of the EUDI Wallet’s design philosophy. It ensures that the needs and experiences of the end user guide every design decision, promoting intuitive and accessible digital identity management. The wallet’s interface is designed to be simple, with seamless integration into a wide range of use cases, from government services to private applications such as SIM card registration or bank account opening
A user-centric approach means giving citizens full control over their attributes and data, offering transparency regarding which information is shared and with whom. Additionally, inclusivity is a key aspect of this principle, ensuring that the wallet is accessible to users of all technical backgrounds and abilities. By focusing on user-centricity, the EUDI Wallet not only builds trust but also encourages widespread adoption.
2. Interoperability: enabling seamless cross-border use
One of the EUDI Wallet’s main objectives is to facilitate seamless use across EU member states. Interoperability as a design principle ensures that the wallet works efficiently across borders, allowing citizens to use their digital identity for various services, regardless of location. Whether interacting with public administration platforms or accessing private services, users can confidently rely on their digital identity wallet without worrying about compatibility issues.
This cross-border functionality is achieved through standardized protocols that enable secure data exchange, making it easy for trusted entities to verify credentials. Furthermore, interoperability prevent market fragmentation by creating a level playing field for different wallet solutions, which fosters competition and collaboration.
3. Privacy by design: safeguarding personal data
Privacy by design is a fundamental pillar of the EUDI Wallet’s architecture, ensuring that data protection is embedded into the system from the outset. This principle is guided by data minimisation, meaning that only the necessary attributes are collected and shared. Users can control which data is disclosed and to whom, thanks to features that enable selective disclosure.
Transparency plays a vital role in maintaining trust, with clear and straightforward explanations regarding how data is used and protected. Additionally, robust safeguards are in place to prevent any tracking of users by relying parties, Personal Identification Data (PID) providers, or attestation providers. The use of Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP), yet to be standardized, will enhance privacy by eliminating the risk of linkability between a user’s different interactions. By making privacy an integral aspect of the wallet, the EUDI ecosystem fosters user confidence while protecting fundamental rights.
4. Security by design: building a resilient architecture
Security is not an afterthought in the EUDI Wallet; it is an inherent feature. The principle of security by design means that potential vulnerabilities are identified and addressed early in the development process. The architecture incorporates secure coding practices and minimizes attack surfaces by compartmentalizing sensitive data and implementing strict access controls. The future European Common Certification Scheme will ensure that all digital wallets adhere to a uniform, high level of security across member states.
By embedding security throughout the design and development stages, the EUDI Wallet aims to be resilient to cyberattacks and data breaches. This proactive approach builds a secure environment, reinforcing user confidence in the safety of their digital identity data.
The four guiding principles of the EUDI Wallet—user-centricity, interoperability, privacy by design, and security by design—demonstrate a strong commitment to building a robust, inclusive, and secure digital identity ecosystem. The POTENTIAL project is at the forefront of making these principles a reality, paving the way for a reliable and user-friendly digital identity solution for all European citizens.