So, it turns out the German implementation of eIDAS (electronic ID wallet for e.g. age attestation) will require an Apple/Google account to function
Absolutely pathetic
So, it turns out the German implementation of eIDAS (electronic ID wallet for e.g. age attestation) will require an Apple/Google account to function
Absolutely pathetic
@pojntfx Mitigation Measures in Germany and the EU 1/3
To prevent this technological “lock-in,” several measures are being implemented:
Alternatives Outside Official Stores: The EU is exerting pressure through the Digital Markets Act (DMA) to compel Apple and Google to allow the installation of apps from alternative sources (“sideloading”) and open access to their security chips without going through their accounts.
@pojntfx Mitigation Measures in Germany and the EU 2/3
Interoperability between Member States: According to the regulation, if the German wallet fails due to a lockout, citizens should be able to legally use any other certified wallet from another EU country to identify themselves for German services.
@richardwonka Pillars of Interoperability
Mandatory Mutual Recognition: Unlike previous regulations, where recognition was voluntary in many cases, the new framework requires all Member States to accept electronic identification means issued by other countries that meet "substantial" or "high" assurance levels. 2/4
@richardwonka Pillars of Interoperability
Architecture Reference Framework (ARF): To prevent each country from creating an incompatible system, the European Commission has established a set of common technical specifications (ARF) that all e-wallets, including the German one, must follow. 3/4
@richardwonka Pillars of Interoperability
eIDAS Nodes: These are technological infrastructures that act as “bridges” between countries. If a German citizen wishes to access a public service in Spain (such as the Tax Agency), the Spanish eIDAS node communicates with the German one to validate the identity without Spain needing direct access to Germany’s databases. 4/4
@pojntfx Mitigation Measures in Germany and the EU 3/3
Physical media as a backup: Germany maintains the physical ID card with a chip (nPA) as the primary “source of truth.” The wallet is only a digital representation; if the phone fails or is locked, the citizen can always use their physical card and a standard NFC reader to identify themselves. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_3433
https://www.vzbv.de/en/digital-markets-act-apple-and-google-fail-comply-certain-regulations
https://www.reddit.com/r/europrivacy/s/mgTR3gEoAr