Belgian citizens can already use the new eID card for identification, authentication and authorization for many public facing services, including: secure online tax form declaration, official document requests (marital status, birth certificate, etc.), electronic submission of court case conclusions, as well as access to the public library, swimming pool and other community services.
The eID card infrastructure can also be used by enterprises to secure their electronic applications and services. Technology vendors are teaming with Belgian companies to develop applications using the eID infrastructure to provide additional services like more secure online ticket purchases, online opening of e-commerce accounts and as a qualified signature for contract signing.
"Belgium is considered the most advanced deployment of eID cards, based on Java Card technology, by a single government entity in Europe. Sun sees the Belgian eID project as key enabler for the deployment of identity management solutions for the government and for enterprises. Several European countries are closely monitoring what is happening with the Belgian card (UK, Spain, France, Portugal) and we are sure that the deployment of the eID card and the implementation of the PKI by the Belgian government will gain additional recognition for Belgium as a country that is pioneering secure access to critical information for its citizens," said Luc Opdebeeck, Managing Director, Sun Microsystems Belux.
Quelle: Government Technology, 20.10.2005
