A legislative amendment passed in the Czech Republic a few weeks ago allows authorities to accept digital identification documents in the country as the country prepares to introduce its first digital ID cards.
Electronic ID cards will be available through a phone application that will work even without internet. The deadline for the introduction of electronic identification in the country is January 2024.
The introduction of digital documents for identification is the result of the increased use of mobile phones among residents. In addition, this is considered to be a more secure way of storing data than physical documents that can be easily stolen or lost.
The application for electronic identification in the Czech Republic will allow disclosure of only the necessary documents required, but not all data. Biometric authentication options, such as facial recognition, and classic methods such as a numeric code will be used to secure the documents in the application. In case of a lost or stolen phone, the user can easily deactivate the application.
Initially, physical identification documents will not be prohibited and will continue to be used alongside electronic documents. However, electronic documents will only be valid within the country’s borders and not outside of it.
Source: The Mayor
