It should help companies and public organisations implement the European Union’s legal and technical framework for Self-Sovereign Identity which comes into force at the end of 2026
Telefónica Tech, the operator’s digital business unit has launched a self-sovereign identity (SSI) solution based on verifiable credentials in Spain. It says this is to help companies and public organisations adapt to and implement the European Union’s new legal and technical framework for SSI which comes into force at the end of 2026 in all member states. The reference project is the EUDI Wallet.
The European Commission states “EU Digital Identity Wallets will provide a safe, reliable and private means of digital identification for everyone in Europe”. That probably should read “within the European Union” as every Member State is to provide at least “one wallet to all its citizens, residents and businesses allowing them to prove who they are and safely store, share and sign important digital documents”.
Individuals are in control
SSI is described Telefónica Tech as “giving individuals complete control over the identity they present to digital services, as they will be able to decide what information about themselves is seen, who sees it and when, in the form of a verifiable credential.
The solution allows digital credentials (which may be personal data, identifications, certifications, qualifications, etc.) to be managed and controlled securely and privately. It also provides organisations with tools to issue, validate and revoke credentials and attributes efficiently, “ensuring interoperability and regulatory compliance and facilitating more agile, secure and transparent processes,” according to the press statement.
Organisations will issue and manage verifiable credentials for users will store on their devices. For example, when the census is due, the issuer will be the local council, the business unit says. And instead of sending a PDF. it could instead issue a verifiable credential which citizens can upload to their devices and use it to prove their place of residence to anyone who requests it.
Multiple business uses
Organisations implementing the solution will only need to offer a QR code for users to scan so they can present the verifiable credential from their device as required. Telefónica Tech says SSI “has multiple applications in the business world…it allows users to decide when to use their credentials, provide only the necessary information and ensure that data is shared securely and legitimately.
“On the other hand, companies obtain third-party verified data on individuals, preventing cases of identity fraud.
Possible use cases include obtaining digital credentials and certificates (civil registration, driving licences, residence in Zonas de Bajas Emisiones or ZBE areas (that is, low emission zones), age verification (users do not have to show their ID card with all their information on it prove they are over 18), access management in private, restricted or critical infrastructure premises, and to combat fraud in online transactions.
Professional services
Telefónica Tech offers professional services to assist customers throughout the adoption process, making its TrustOS blockchain service available to ensure traceability and transparency concerning when a credential has been shared, who issued it, and whether it is valid or has been revoked.
Elena Gil Lizasoain, Director of AI and Data at Telefónica Tech, explains: “Our self-sovereign identity solution is designed to help public administrations and private companies stay ahead of the new European framework and enable their employees, customers and citizens to maintain control over the personal information they share on the Internet. Our identity is a critical asset, and we must ensure absolute transparency throughout its life cycle by facilitating its transfer and use by third parties, but only when necessary.”
