* [Finnish tech co-op receives government grant to develop a self-sovereign identity network](https://www.thenews.coop/164789/topic/technology/finnish-tech-co-op-receives-government-grant-to-develop-a-self-sovereign-identity-network/)TheNews
The Finnish Government has awarded a €3m (£2.6m) grant to [Findynet Cooperative](https://findy.fi/en/)for a pilot project aiming to build a self-sovereign identity network.
* [The Findynet Cooperative receives a government grant to develop a trusted way to share information in electronic interactions](https://findy.fi/en/findy-a-visionary-initiative-by-the-public-and-private-sectors-is-developing-a-new-type-of-verifiable-data-network-that-strengthens-finlands-position-as-a-driving-force-in-building-digital/)Findy.fi
The aim of this public-private cooperation is to strengthen Finland’s leading position in digitalization and support the emergence of investments in new digital services.
> Underpinned by our country’s values, DIDAS is the Swiss ecosystem with the goal to enable an inclusive, privacy-first & frictionless future for our society’s Digital & Data needs. We are advocating for global standards with local governance for digital identities and data sovereignty.
### Policy
* [OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum](https://oecd-events.org/blockchainforum/)
> The Global Blockchain Policy Forum is the leading international event focused on the policy implications of this technology and its applications, led by the OECD’s Blockchain Policy Centre. Following the second edition of the Forum in 2019, which was attended by more than 1 600 people
* [Institutions and Governance in the digital realm of Africa](https://omidyarnetwork.medium.com/institutions-matter-60c819d32e2a)
Omidyar Network:
- seeking to better understand the existing laws and institutions
- exploring ways to strengthen the capacity of institutions that uphold these laws
- supporting digital rights organizations throughout Africa to act as checks on technological excesses of both governments and corporations
* [Legal Entity Identifier News from Q1](https://managedlei.com/blog/legal-entity-identifier-news-from-q1/)
The GLEIF introduce the vLEI
Taking the LEI one step further from entity identification to individuals is a huge development for the digital identity industry and one that has been supported [by our partners at RapidLEI](https://rapidlei.com/vlei/). We wrote a full blog on the story to [explain why vLEIs are important](https://managedlei.com/blog/what-is-vlei-and-what-problems-does-it-solve/)and how we expect they can add value to the industry with some solid examples such as mobile driving licenses and healthcare service delivery.
* [Connecting Citizens and Government for Better Designed Services](https://medium.com/mydex/connecting-citizens-and-government-for-better-designed-services-9b58205185ce)MyData
Our vision for [Inclued](https://mydex.org/platform-services/)is for it to become the de facto choice for two-way, secure citizen engagement that empowers citizens to not only access services but influence what is delivered to them, while giving governments and citizens insight and evidence into the value and impact of working with, not for citizens.
* [Catalonia launches a project for Self-Sovereign Identity to empower citizens in the digital world](https://politiquesdigitals.gencat.cat/en/detalls/Noticia/El-Govern-presenta-el-projecte-IdentiCAT-un-nou-model-didentitat-digital-autosobirana-que-converteix-el-ciutada-en-propietari-gestor-i-custodi-exclusiu-de-la-seva-identitat-i-dades)Politiques Digitales
The Government will only act as a validator, giving the tools and a secure legal framework, but it will not in any case have the custody of the data.
The Government of Catalonia has presented IdentiCAT, the new decentralized and self-sovereign digital identity model, which aims to become the first public digital identity at a European level and it will be self-managed by the citizen with the absolute legal guarantee and validity to operate with the public administration and the private sector.
It is our goal to make SSI simple and accessible: to enable every developer and organisation to build identity and trust into the web and their applications. Ultimately, this will transform every digital interaction into an effortless and worry-free experience.
* [Bonfii announces partnership with Finclusive](https://bonifii.com/2021/11/credit-union-digital-identity-provider-bonifii-announces-new-partnership-with-finclusive/)CU Ledger
FinClusive’s AML/KYC capabilities create verified identity credentials that will be incorporated into MemberPass – Bonifii’s digital identity solution for Credit Unions Through this partnership, U.S. Credit Union members can now establish and maintain verifiable digital identities that enable safe, secure, and touchless experiences for many credit union service
* [The Lissi Wallet now supports additional cards and convenience features](https://lissi-id.medium.com/the-lissi-wallet-now-supports-additional-cards-and-convenience-features-465aeedf5f5c)
The Lissi Wallet now supports additional cards and convenience features. Import of additional cards The Lissi Wallet does supports verified credentials, custom cards and pk.pass files The Lissi Wallet now supports .pkpass files, as well as other custom cards, in addition to verifiable credentials (first screen). Any card in the wallet that has a bar code or QR code can now be easi
* [Adopting eID in Europe and Beyond](https://stateofidentity.libsyn.com/adopting-eid-in-europe-and-beyond)State of Identity
Digital identity is now recognized as a key building block in digitizing public administration; however, it requires interoperability with private sector use cases to drive value for its citizens.
* [Reinventing Government with Technology - Sebastian Manhart](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3D1fTJA0r_XFg)KuppingerCole
Raj Hegde is joined by Sebastian Manhart - Technical Advisor on Digital Identity for the German Chancellery to explore governmental reform and understand stakeholder expectations behind the rollout of digital identity projects in the post-COVID era.
* [ID Wallet: The German government had long known about IT security vulnerabilities](https://marketresearchtelecast.com/id-wallet-the-german-government-had-long-known-about-it-security-vulnerabilities/190919/) Market Research Telecast
The BSI expresses the problem as follows: “The authentication of the user required to carry out a hotel check-in on the basis of the factors possession (” link secret “) and knowledge (” PIN “) takes place exclusively on the basis of key material that is stored in the Wallet app is saved. ” No specially secured electronic storage and processing medium such as a “secure element” integrated in smartphones is used.
* [Verifiable Credentials for Digital Identity Projects](https://knowledge.wealize.digital/en/blog/verifiable-credentials-for-digital-identity-projects)
The Spanish Association for Standardization (UNE) has recently published the [UNE 71307-1](https://www.une.org/encuentra-tu-norma/busca-tu-norma/norma?c%3DN0064986)Digital Enabling Technologies Standard. This is the first global standard on decentralized identity management, based on Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT).
* [Data: A New Direction — But Which Direction?](https://medium.com/mydex/data-a-new-direction-but-which-direction-da547b886ac0)Alan Mitchell
This is the fifth and final blog in our series about the UK Government’s proposals for data protection reform — “Data: A New Direction”. Previous blogs focused on the thinking behind the proposals. This blog summarises what the main proposals are.
* [MetaMUI and Sovereign Yidindji Government launched 1st self-sovereign identity-based National ID system](https://cointelegraph.com/press-releases/metamui-and-sovereign-yidindji-government-launched-1st-self-sovereign-identity-based-national-id-system)Cointelegraph
We are delighted to announce that our first E-Government pilot program with the Sovereign Yidindji Government has been successfully completed on Jan 7, 2022.
* [SURF: Technical exploration Ledger-based Self Sovereign Identity](https://identity--economy-de.translate.goog/surf-technical-exploration-ledger-based-self-sovereign-identity)Identity Economy DE
As a general concept, the privacy-friendly nature of SSI, end-user control over disclosure of personal information, and the SSI trust model aligned well with the public values typically found in R&D. The platform we used (based Hyperledger Indy) allowed us to successfully run all use cases. The platform delivers on SSI's promises of privacy, scalability, and security.
* [SSI initiative open to new players](https://www.adnovum.ch/en/company/blog/exploring_the_potential_of_self-sovereign_identity_with_representative_use_cases.html)adnovum
* [Hello, User: Episode 13 with Katryna Dow](https://hellouser.libsyn.com/episode-13-with-katryna-dow)
Welcome to lucky episode number 13! Your new host Aubrey Turner, Executive Advisor at Ping, is thrilled to welcome Katryna Dow, CEO & Founder of the award-winning data platform Meeco. Katryna discusses Meeco’s mission to enable everyone on the planet access to equity and value in exchange for the data and information they share. She talks about why she saw a need for Meeco’s services, what we need to know as we approach a more “physigital”world, and how her vision all started with a Tom Cruise film.
* [ID-Ideal as an integrated solution](https://jolocom.io/blog/id-ideal-as-an-integrated-solution/)Jolocom
Emphasis ours
The idea behind [ID-Ideal](https://1-id--ideal-de.translate.goog/?_x_tr_enc%3D1%26_x_tr_sl%3Dauto%26_x_tr_tl%3Den%26_x_tr_hl%3Den-US%26_x_tr_pto%3Dwapp)is to create a basis for existing and future identity services. To achieve this, interoperability between the individual ecosystems is necessary. For this reason, the project mainly focuses on key aspects:
A) Trust Framework: harmonize various ID services and create standards for secure digital identities
B) High relevance to everyday life and very good usability to increase the incentive
C) Establishing a TrustNest initiative: an open community that promotes certification, exchange, and further development
* [Rough Seas Ahead People](https://www.moxytongue.com/2022/01/rough-seas-ahead-people.html)MoxyTongue
Commentary from the man who invented the term Self-Sovereign Idenitty on the ID.me situation with the IRS.
Humanity does not come into existence inside a database. The American Government does not come into authority "of, by, for" database entries.
People prove birth certificates, birth certificates do not prove people.
* [Implementing the Swiss SSI Ecosystem – Two Streams Approach](https://www.didas.swiss/2022/02/18/implementing-the-swiss-ssi-ecosystem-two-streams-approach/)DIDAS Swiss
critical questions of user experience and acceptance can be validated in real life. The findings and results will feedback into further development of the systems and hardening of security and privacy. This is also a great practical way to identify legal aspects that need clarification or even potential changes in the relevant laws
* [the potential of Self-Sovereign Identity with representative use cases](https://www.adnovum.ch/en/company/blog/exploring_the_potential_of_self-sovereign_identity_with_representative_use_cases.html)
Our Self-Sovereign Identity initiative with SwissSign, the canton of Aargau and cardossier clearly shows: Even if there are still uncertainties regarding technical maturity and governance – SSI is happening and brings major advantages in data protection and cross-organizational digitization.
* [Who Do You Trust With Your Wallet?](https://stateofidentity.libsyn.com/who-do-you-trust-with-your-wallet)State of Identity (not ssi)
Sweden's Freja eID is a pinnacle example of government-approved digital identity, all from the convenience of your mobile wallet. Join host Cameron D'Ambrosi as he kicks off 2022 with Kristofer von Beetzen, Chief Product Officer of Freja eID. They dive into the burning questions for eID including who should control identity, why and when you shouldn't host identity data yourself
* [Why is data valuable?](https://medium.com/mydex/why-is-data-valuable-59bd63e1a09f)
prompted by the UK Government’s proposed reforms of data protection law contained in its consultation paper Data: A New Direction.
* […]
Under the banner of tackling ‘consent fatigue’, abolish citizens’ right to consent to the collection and use of their data: achieved by expanding the definition of organisations’‘legitimate interests’ (where they don’t have to seek consent) to cover almost every activity
* [Your digital identity and credentials](https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/digital-identity)New South Wales
Help us make it easier for you to do things like open a bank account, buy a phone, start a new job, prove your age or enrol to study.
* [KYC-Chain Join Hands with enVoy](https://kyc-chain.com/kyc-chain-join-hands-with-envoy/)
KYC-Chain will enter a partnership with enVoy. enVoy offers sustainable DeFi, tokenized letters of credit, realtime x border payments, and tokenized documentation for the supply chain removing risk and creating trust for third-party trade on an end to end ESG and sustainable supply chain journey.
* [Automating workplace vaccination verification — a path out of the pandemic](https://www.ibm.com/blogs/blockchain/2021/11/automating-workplace-vaccination-verification-a-path-out-of-the-pandemic/)IBM
The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently released a rule on requiring all employers with 100 or more employees to ensure their workforce is fully vaccinated or require any workers who remain unvaccinated to produce a negative test result on at least a weekly basis before coming to work.
This rule impacts ~80 million workers — every company in the S&P 500
* [Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) schemes and the public sector](https://www.impulse-h2020.eu/2021/11/05/self-sovereign-identity-ssi-schemes-and-the-public-sector/)Impulse H20
While the structural difference between SSI approaches and conventional centralised or federated eID schemes is, on one level, profound (full control over data and identity with the user; no third-party intermediary between the user and the service provider), on another level, these differences may also appear highly abstract to ordinary users. What societal and economic consequences they may unfold remains, so far, little understood, also because research on the real social and economic effects of SSI solutions is only beginning.
* [The LEI: A Swiss Army Knife for the World’s Digital Economy](https://www.gleif.org/en/newsroom/blog/the-lei-a-swiss-army-knife-for-the-worlds-digital-economy)
The LEI’s legacy is proudly rooted in financial services and regulation. Its future, however, undeniably points beyond to broader, digitized adoption and utilization across public and private sectors around the world. The Global LEI System is the only open, commercially neutral, and regulatory endorsed system capable of establishing digitized trust between all legal entities everywhere. It was established as a public good, and GLEIF remains committed to ensuring that every last drop of value is wrung from the system, and used to the benefit of all.
* [Recognizing Digital Identity as a National Issue](https://www.pingidentity.com/en/company/blog/posts/2021/digital-identity-national-issue.html)
> we dove into creating a centralized and holistic approach to protecting and regulating identity in the United States and the specifics of why digital identity and cybersecurity are national issues that the private sectors simply cannot tackle on their own. Here are some of the key takeaways.
* [A Collaborative Approach to Meeting the Challenges in President Biden’s Executive Order on Improving US Cybersecurity](https://www.oasis-open.org/2021/06/14/a-collaborative-approach-to-meeting-the-challenges-in-president-bidens-executive-order-on-improving-us-cybersecurity/)
One key aspect outlined in Section 4 of the Executive Order (EO) is securing the software supply chain. At issue here is the reality that the U.S. federal government—like nearly any other organization on the planet that uses computer technology in any form—relies on not just one but numerous types of software to process data and run operational equipment.
* [RaonSecure builds a blockchain-based digital wallet service with a public institution](https://medium.com/raonsecure/raonsecure-builds-a-blockchain-based-digital-wallet-service-with-a-public-institution-9fe2c8028f6c)
Selection of RaonSecure as the final operator of the ‘blockchain-based digital wallet project’ that is part of the ‘2021 Blockchain Pilot Project’ program promoted by the Korean government
* [A Collaborative Approach to Meeting the Challenges in President Biden’s Executive Order on Improving US Cybersecurity](https://www.oasis-open.org/2021/06/14/a-collaborative-approach-to-meeting-the-challenges-in-president-bidens-executive-order-on-improving-us-cybersecurity/)
> One key aspect outlined in Section 4 of the Executive Order (EO) is securing the software supply chain. At issue here is the reality that the U.S. federal government—like nearly any other organization on the planet that uses computer technology in any form—relies on not just one but numerous types of software to process data and run operational equipment.
* [South Korea’s brilliant decentralized approach to citizen identity management](https://techwireasia.com/2021/06/koreas-decentralized-identity-approach-to-identity-management/)TechWire Asia
> Adopting blockchain technology is seen as a necessity by the Korean government and multiple institutions are backing its continuous research and development, including the Ministry of Science and Technology (ICT), The Korea Internet Security Agency (KISA), Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA), and Korea Post among others.
* [Three Key Takeaways from the FATF’s Latest 12-Month Review on Virtual assets](https://www.elliptic.co/blog/3-key-takeaways-from-the-fatfs-latest-12-month-review-on-virtual-assets)Elliptic
Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global standard-setter for anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), released its second 12-month review on virtual assets (You can read our summary of its first report from July 2020 report here).
* [Towards a universal, self-sovereign and privacy preserving digital identity for the public sector](https://www.impulse-h2020.eu/2021/07/08/blog-self-sovereign/)Impulse
The EU-funded IMPULSE focuses on building a decentralised Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) model by combining two of the most promising technologies available today, such as Artificial Intelligence and blockchain networks, with the aim of facing the limitation of the existing electronic identification systems in the public sector..
* [What does the EU Wallet mean for self-sovereign identity?](https://www.fintechtalents.com/what-does-the-eu-wallet-mean-for-self-sovereign-identity/)Fintechtalents.com
While the EU wallet may not align entirely with every principle of self-sovereign identity, it is certainly a massive leap in that direction.
* [New Directions for Government in the Second Era of the Digital Age](https://www.blockchainresearchinstitute.org/new-directions-for-government-in-the-second-era-of-the-digital-age/)Kuppinger Cole
The[Blockchain Research Institute™](https://www.blockchainresearchinstitute.org/), in collaboration with the Washington DC based[Chamber of Digital Commerce](https://digitalchamber.org/)and other experts have produced a 120-page report on how the Biden-Harris administration could reimagine US technology strategy and policy—and take action to implement it.
* [Digital identity and attributes consultation](https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/digital-identity-and-attributes-consultation/digital-identity-and-attributes-consultation)Gov UK
Digital access to the attributes these documents contain can solve these issues. It can also have benefits such as improving inclusion. If you do not have a passport, perhaps another government service can validate your age. There are also opportunities for data minimisation by disclosing only that information which is required (for example, that you’re over 18), rather than full disclosure of your data, including your date of birth, name, or address.
* [Plans for governing body to make digital identities as trusted as passports](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/plans-for-governing-body-to-make-digital-identities-as-trusted-as-passports)Gov.UK
The consultation sets out how the government can build confidence in digital IDs so they have a similar status in law as physical proofs of identity that businesses and individuals already trust.
* [State Identity Solutions: Build? Buy? Or Both?](https://auth0.com/blog/state-identity-solutions-build-buy-or-both/)
With a buyable solution like Auth0, state administrations are able to roll out digital services in days versus years for a custom-built in-house solution. The back-end of Auth0’s solutions are pre-built, allowing teams to customize quickly with low to no-code inputs from a development team to get a new release deployed faster.
* [Do we really need (or want) the State to provide us with digital identification?](https://www.libertarianism.org/articles/self-sovereign-identity-blockchain-age)LIberatarianism.org
With identity being the missing link, the advent of self‐sovereign identity could finally bring ambitious projects like[Bitnation](https://tse.bitnation.co/)to fruition. This virtual blockchain jurisdiction wants to establish a blockchain‐based self‐administration or, as the project itself advertises, “a toolbox for do‐it‐yourself governance.” With the concept of self‐sovereign identity being implemented properly, new digital nations such as Bitnation could compete against old territorial tax states.
* [Germany and Spain and join forces on the development of a cross-border, decentralised digital identity ecosystem](https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/aktuelles/germany-and-spain-and-join-forces-on-the-development-of-a-cross-border-decentralised-digital-identity-ecosystem-1947302)
The cooperation agreement envisages the design and conceptualisation of a cross-border pilot to be implemented in the near future, with a view to contributing to the development of the European Union’s Digital Identity Framework, recently announced as part of the eIDAS Commission proposal.
* [Governor Cuomo Announces Launch of Excelsior Pass Plus to Support the Safe, Secure Return of Tourism and Business Travel](https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-launch-excelsior-pass-plus-support-safe-secure-return-tourism-and)NYS Gov
Excelsior Pass Plus, a result of the strategic partnership between New York State and VCI, will provide New Yorkers safe access to retrieve a secure, digital copy of their COVID-19 vaccination record using the [SMART Health Cards Framework](https://protect2.fireeye.com/v1/url?k%3Dc0acc09b-9f37f85c-c0ae39ae-000babd9f75c-7271080d81ab95a1%26q%3D1%26e%3D61cb6a92-1e48-44b8-96be-e1dd24b53960%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fvci.org%252Fabout%2523smart-health)- making their interstate and international travel and commerce experiences safer, contact-less, and more seamless.
* [When will we get our own digital identity? Self-Sovereign Identity is coming!](https://jan-scheele.medium.com/when-will-we-get-our-own-digital-identity-self-sovereign-identity-is-coming-645972c035d7)Jan Scheele
From the moment the parents register a child with the Municipality, the official identity is recorded in the Personal Records Database and you will receive a Citizen Service Number. Will it soon be replaced by a digital identity, or a Self-Sovereign Identity? In this article I will tell you all the ins and outs about this new form of identity.
* [SELF-SOVEREIGN IDENTITY: LEGAL COMPLIANCE AND THE INVOLVEMENT OF GOVERNMENTS](https://www.theinternetofthings.eu/ssi-ambassador-self-sovereign-identity-legal-compliance-and-involvement-governments)SSI AMBASSADOR
When it comes to identity management the involvement of the government can be a tricky topic. It needs to be involved to enable access to public services, adapt legislature and guarantee equal access for its citizens. However, it should not be able to control or monitor all aspects and activities of its citizens. Self-sovereign identity (SSI) might for some imply, that a citizen is suddenly able to issue his own ID-card, which isn’t the case. Governments are still the primary source of foundational identities."
* [Can the Korean Mobile Driver’s License Unlock Blockchain’s Potential?](https://medium.com/raonsecure/can-the-korean-mobile-drivers-license-unlock-blockchain-s-potential-461d3295a452)Raon
The Ministry of Public Administration and Security (MOIS) is working on the implementation of a national mobile driver’s license in the form of a blockchain-based Decentralized Identifier-based (DID) System. LG CNS and RaonSecure are in charge of the project and are currently building it.
* [The Roles of Government & The Private Sector in a Digital ID Program with Sebastian Manhart](https://northernblock.io/roles-of-government-and-private-sector-in-digital-id/)Northern Block
we dive into what’s happening within the Digital ID landscape within Europe. Sebastian Manhart is very well positioned between policy and technology in the European Union. In this episode of SSI Orbit, he shares his experiences and future projections.
* [Working together to create an eIDAS wallet](https://jolocom.io/blog/once-eidas/)Jolocom
Jolocom is currently working on the project “ONCE – Online einfach anmelden” (simply register online – ONCE)alongside a number of prestigious partners, with the aim to bring the digital identity of any citizen onto their smartphone.
The project is part of the competitive innovation programme “Showcase Secure Digital Identities” (SSDI) funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) and one of four projects that qualified for the implementation phase.
* [\#4 in the LEI Lightbulb Blog Series - Soaring Regulatory Confidence puts LEI at Center of Trust in Payments Ecosystem](https://www.gleif.org/en/newsroom/blog/in-the-lei-lightbulb-blog-series-soaring-regulatory-confidence-puts-lei-at-center-of-trust-in-payments-ecosystem)GLEIF
We do not have to look back further than the global economic collapse of 2008 to fully understand the worst-case scenario of unverified legal entities engaging in financial transactions. The LEI was created at the request of the G20 and Financial Stability Board (FSB) in response to this global catastrophe.
* [Self-Sovereign Identity – a game changer regarding privacy: The next level of identity management](https://adnovum.ch/en/company/blog/self_sovereign_identity_a_game_changer_regarding_privacy.html)
After rejection of the e-ID Act in March 2021, the Swiss Federal government is working at full speed on a new proposal. The first results were published in a [discussion paper](https://www.bj.admin.ch/dam/bj/en/data/staat/gesetzgebung/staatliche-e-id/diskussionspapier-zielbild-e-id.pdf.download.pdf/diskussionspapier-zielbild-e-id.pdf)on September 2. Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) is one of three possible solutions proposed for the implementation of the future e-ID. What is SSI is and why does it bring significant added value in terms of data privacy?
The content of the joint declaration is close bilateral cooperation in the development of a cross-border ecosystem of digital identities based on the principles of Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI).
* [Yann Desclercs from Cornerstone Advisory Plus speaks about countering the de-risking trend in African economies with the LEI](https://www.gleif.org/en/newsroom/blog/number-1-in-the-financial-inclusion-interview-series-yann-desclercs-from-cornerstone-advisory-plus-speaks-about-countering-the-de-risking-trend-in-african-economies-with-the-lei)
Following the launch of GLEIF’s digital business identity initiative designed to bridge the trade finance gap in Africa, we’re catching up with our key partners to hear their thoughts on how the project will bring about greater financial inclusion for SMEs on the continent and beyond.
* [Early Adopters Programme | Imagining what EBSI can do for European citizens](https://ec.europa.eu/cefdigital/wiki/display/CEFDIGITAL/Early%2520Adopters%2520Programme%23become-ebsi-compliant)
In 2021, 22 projects were selected to become part of our incubator programme to help tap into the potential of the EBSI infrastructure. Each project's private and public sector partners was given early access to the pre-production environment of EBSI, and was invited to develop their own pilot project to address a specific business or government use case involving the exchange of verifiable credentials.
With the help with the EBSI team, Early Adopters can identify how to connect their systems, be part of a community and collaborate with other Early Adopters. This will help us improve EBSI's services and ensure it meets the needs of Europe's businesses and public administrations, within and across borders.
* [Control over data still a long way off according to research into Self-Sovereign Identity](https://ibestuur-nl.translate.goog/podium/controle-over-data-nog-ver-weg-volgens-onderzoek-naar-self-sovereign-identity?_x_tr_sl%3Dauto%26_x_tr_tl%3Den%26_x_tr_hl%3Dnl%26_x_tr_pto%3Dnui)iBestuur
In their final recommendations, the researchers from INNOPAY and TNO argue that in view of the social value of digital data exchange, the government would do well to play a driving role in the further consolidation of the SSI playing field. That starts with creating clarity about the relationship between the Digital Government Act and the EU Digital Identity Wallet.
* [More hurdles to clear as Digital Identity Bill enters [Australian] Parliament](https://fst.net.au/government-news/more-hurdles-to-clear-as-digital-identity-bill-enters-parliament-2/)FST
Government should adopt a simple, existing standard for its digital ID system, such as the public-key infrastructure (PKI)-based system in use within many [European countries](https://www.enisa.europa.eu/topics/csirts-in-europe/glossary/public-key-infrastructure-pki). PKI offers a number of security and privacy benefits that the TDIF aims to have; however, as no central authority is involved in authentication, no entity can meaningfully track user activity.
* ["Irresponsible and Dangerous"](https://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/apps/id-wallet-was-nach-dem-fehlstart-mit-dem-digitalen-fuehrerschein-passiert-a-f4bc10bc-08ab-42b4-9325-5de5cdc66e05)Spigel
The ID wallet for the digital driver's license is not only technically immature. Government data show: the allocation was not transparent, security checks were incomplete - and the possible direction is questionable.
* [Three Governments enabling digital identity interoperability](https://medium.com/in-present-tense/three-governments-enabling-digital-identity-interoperability-bbcfc60c3a80) Heather Vescent
On September 15, 2021, I moderated a panel with representatives from the United States Government, the Canadian Government, and the European Commission. Below is an edited excerpt from the panel
* [Early Adopters Programme | Imagining what EBSI can do for European citizens](https://ec.europa.eu/cefdigital/wiki/display/CEFDIGITAL/Early%2520Adopters%2520Programme%23become-ebsi-compliant)
An incubator to help Early Adopters and their partners imagine, build and launch their EBSI pilot project(s)
* [Excelsior Pass Plus to be recognized out of state, internationally](https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/local/excelsior-pass-plus-to-be-recognized-out-of-state-internationally/71-434f8c6f-cbac-4d61-a732-ac0e0769efa3)WGRZ
Excelsior Pass Plus will be compatible with the globally recognized SMART Health Cards Framework developed by VCI. VCI is a coalition of 570 public and private organizations including major health networks and Microsoft.
* [Declaration for Cooperation and Exchange of Best Practices in the Field of Self-Sovereign Identity Between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of Finland](https://www.theinternetofthings.eu/declaration-cooperation-and-exchange-best-practices-field-self-sovereign-identity-between-federal)theinternetofthings.eu
* [PIPL: A game changer for companies in China](https://www.dataprotectionreport.com/2021/08/pipl-a-game-changer-for-companies-in-china/)DataProtection
China passed its Personal Information Protection Law(PIPL) on 20 August 2021. This is China’s first omnibus data protection law, and will take effect from 1 November 2021 allowing companies just over two months to prepare themselves.
* [Opening New York State for business with the power of blockchain](https://www.ibm.com/blogs/blockchain/2021/08/opening-new-york-state-for-business-with-the-power-of-blockchain/)IBM
Excelsior Pass Plus expands travel and commerce opportunities for New Yorkers by enabling compatibility with New York State’s Excelsior Pass platform which has generated three million passes since its launch in March that provide digital proof of vaccination or a negative test result.
* [Data Sovereignty and Trusted Online Identity](https://beyondstandards.ieee.org/data-sovereignty-and-trusted-online-identity/)IEEE Beyond Standards
IEEE SA co-organized a discussion panel at the Pan-European dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG) conference, an event known for its frank and interactive discussions of public policy issues surrounding internet governance. Messages coming out of the discussions will be presented at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) later this year.
* [Navigating Digital Identity in Political Economies RxC Panel](https://identitywoman.net/navigating-digital-identity-in-political-economies-rxc-talk/)IdentityWoman.net
> the world is fundamentally social and intersectional — we are all part of networks. So how might we formalize digital identity in a way that better reflects this complex reality?
* [New Digital Identity Advisory Council established](https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/new-digital-identity-advisory-council-established)
The NSW Government has established a Digital Identity Ministerial Advisory Council (DIMAC), that will advise on a strategic direction and roadmap for digital identity in the State.
* [The consultation](https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/digital-identity-and-attributes-consultation)is open to any member of the public and closes on 13 September.
* [LG CNS wins Korean government contract for decentralized identity for driver’s licenses](https://www.ledgerinsights.com/lg-cns-korean-decentralized-identity-did-for-drivers-licenses/)Ledger Insights
Adopting DID technology provides numerous benefits but two stand out. Firstly, it should make it far harder to forge a license because credentials can be verified. Additionally, OmniOne includes FIDO biometric security. The second key benefit is that an individual can choose how much data to share.
* [Why CBDCs will likely be ID-based](https://www.ft.com/content/88f47c48-97fe-4df3-854e-0d404a3a5f9a)
Central banks are realising CBDCs will have to be intimately linked to identity to deal with illicit finance and bank disintermediation risk
* [What Does Trust Over IP Mean for Governments and Their Citizens?](https://zoom.us/rec/play/mDKBrRGUj438P08UFt48x9aQJJbzEnmx9syvFDX4wqE-CfInHCtlTGHVYZsQbqDvFEHz1384UmDhujnN.gy3Vc_uWCCYptA-C?continueMode=true&_x_zm_rtaid=1wnxNXi8Tt2RA2GEkoKd2w.1608587036943.898bee9a8db5ed8d3cf416dfad4da5bb&_x_zm_rhtaid=942)
> credentials can help reopen travel, reduce the costs and improve access to healthcare, streamline KYC and financial transactions, and help connect students with employers needing their skills—all while saving governments billions in the costs of connecting and protecting their digital infrastructure.
> *[...]*
> featured speakers from Evernym, Mastercard, LG CNS, Accenture, GLEIF, and other[s]
* [Data: Governance and Geopolitics](https://www.mydigitalfootprint.com/2021/01/data-governance-and-geopolitics.html)
> How data is governed can be thought of along several lines of activity: legislating privacy and data use, regulating content, using antitrust laws to dilute data monopolies, self-regulating by the tech giants, regulating digital trade, addressing intellectual property rights (IPR) infringement, assuring cybersecurity, and practicing cyber diplomacy. Of these, antitrust, regulation, and privacy are most immediately in the spotlight, and are the focus of this commentary, but it will also touch briefly on the connections with other issues.
* [Kiva Protocol, Built on Hyperledger Indy, Ursa and Aries, Powers Africa’s First Decentralized National ID system](https://www.hyperledger.org/blog/2021/01/20/kiva-protocol-built-on-hyperledger-indy-ursa-and-aries-powers-africas-first-decentralized-national-id-system) ([CASE STUDY](https://www.hyperledger.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Hyperledger_CaseStudy_Kiva_Printable.pdf))
> Since the launch of Kiva Protocol, Davie says global regulators have made significant progress in terms of how they are considering digital identity and eKYC verifications. He sees a global movement towards user-owned and -controlled data, better privacy, and more universal access.
>
> *[...]*
> As of today, Kiva is focusing on building additional ecosystem applications and services to make it easier for all stakeholders to access and use Kiva Protocol. Much of this is being contributed upstream into the Hyperledger Indy and Aires projects, with the remaining components hosted in Kiva’s repository.
* [Digital identity in the UK in 2021 with TrueProfile.io’s René Seifert](https://www.ubisecure.com/podcast/digital-identity-uk-2021-ssi-trueprofile-rene-seifert/) (podcast)
> In episode 37, René Seifert talks about the current status of identity in the UK; the government’s recent call for evidence and DIU (digital identity unit); the resultant six guiding principles – including privacy and inclusivity; the potential of self-sovereign identity to solve some of these issues; TrueProfile.io and the importance of verified credentials in an HR context; plus the ethical, political and technical challenges of ‘immunity passports’.
* [Catalan government announces self-sovereign identity project](https://www.ledgerinsights.com/catalan-government-self-sovereign-identity/)
> The government of Catalonia announced its plans for self-sovereign identities (SSIs) for citizens based on blockchain technology. The project, named IdentiCAT, was revealed by the President of Catalonia Quim Torra and will allow citizens to be the “owner, manager and exclusive custod[ian] of his identity and data”.
* [City of Austin dabbling in SSI](https://github.com/cityofaustin/mypass-project/wiki/blockchain-report)
Many folks within the identity space see VC infrastructure as the future of identification. If much of our online identity is reputation based, then VCs represent a formal method for linking reputations and vouching for others to form a web of trust within which individuals are able to conduct identity transactions in a less centralized way.
* [It’s time for governments to get serious about digital identities](https://www2.deloitte.com/global/en/pages/risk/articles/solving-the-public-sector-identity-crisis.html?id%3Dglobal:2sm:3tw:4dcom_share:5awa:6dcom:risk)by Deloitte
While the tools may already exist to solve the government’s identity crisis, real progress will only be made if governments significantly evolve their legacy approaches to digital identity.
* [Showcase programme “Secure Digital Identities”](https://www.digitale-technologien.de/DT/Redaktion/EN/Standardartikel/sdi_programm.html)Digitale Technoligen DE
With this innovation competition, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) is directly contributing to Germany’s digital sovereignty and data security on the Internet. The measure aims to strengthen the confidence of citizens and companies in digital transformation. The envisaged proposals should also be aligned with the needs and opportunities of small and medium-sized enterprises and enable them to implement and use Secure Digital Identities.
* [Where do we stand on Self-Sovereign Identity?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3DL156YjEyOdo)EBSI
On December 14th, Joao Rodrigues, Head of sector (Digital) Building Blocks at @European Commission participated in an[#ebcTALKS](https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/ebctalks)of the European Blockchain Convention about "Where do we stand on Self-Sovereign Identity"?
* [eIDAS and the European Digital Identity Wallet](https://lissi-id.medium.com/eidas-and-the-european-digital-identity-wallet-context-status-quo-and-why-it-will-change-the-2a7527f863b3)Lissi
In 2021 the European Commission [announced the European digital identity wallet](https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_21_2663). This article explains the basic concepts, highlights the significance of this development and provides an overview of the status quo.
## Organization
* [European Union Digital Identity Wallet Consortium](https://eudiwalletconsortium.org/)EUDI
The funding call is within the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) topic 5.3.1.2 which requests support to implement the European Digital Identity Framework and the implementation of the Once Only System under the Single Digital Gateway Regulation. Up to €37m funding is available.
European Union
* [Welcoming the Wallet - What the new European Digtal Identity Framework means for citizens, governments and businesses](https://www.sc.pages05.net/lp/22466/795951/gov-wp-welcoming-the-wallet.pdf)Thales
The concept of digital identification is already well established, and using a smartphone to board a plane or prove vaccination status is second nature to many millions of people. In the EU however, while many states have made electronic identification available and domestic use is growing, the development of internationally accepted electronic identity (eID) systems has been piecemeal and inconsistent.
* [EU digital wallet: the race is on for pilot funding, tech supremacy, hearts and minds](https://www.biometricupdate.com/202204/eu-digital-wallet-the-race-is-on-for-pilot-funding-tech-supremacy-hearts-and-minds)Biometric Update
* [eIDAS](https://www.biometricupdate.com/tag/eidas)2.0 is fast approaching. By September 2023, European Union citizens will have the right to download and populate a digital identity wallet on a smart device. In less than 18 months, Europeans may no longer need physical credentials to travel, work and live anywhere else in the bloc. But are they ready?
* [Principal Authority – new article on Wyoming law defining Digital Identity](https://lists.w3.org/Archives/Public/public-credentials/2021Sep/0083.html)Christopher Allen (Thursday, 16 September)
What we've found as a good framework is the concept of "Principal Authority" which comes from the Laws of Agency, which allows us to leverage fiduciary style Laws of Custom to define requirements for practices when digital identity is delegated to others (whether for authorization or for use of data).
I've written up a layman's article (as I am not a lawyer) introducing this topic at:
* [Sask. Government Stops Pursuit of Potential Digital ID](https://www.egovreview.com/article/news/618/sask-government-stops-pursuit-potential-digital-id)Ego Review
In a search that started in October 2021, the province was considering vendors to potentially initiate digital ID, meant to replace the need for physical ID cards. According to RFP documents, the selected vendor would have worked with SGI for facial verification, but final details on accessing the photo database weren’t finalized.
MetaMUI SSID is the world’s first true Self-Sovereign Identity Application that enables running Blockchain-Based E-Government System, and CBDC payments on top of MetaMUI Blockchain.
* [Building a Swiss Digital Trust Ecosystem – Perspectives around an e-ID ecosystem in Switzerland](https://digitalswitzerland.com/building-a-swiss-digital-trust-ecosystem/)DigitalSwitzerland
An initial contribution to the ongoing meta-level debate about the development of the e-ID ecosystem in Switzerland.
* [Perspectives around building an e-ID ecosystem in Switzerland](https://digitalswitzerland.com/building-a-swiss-digital-trust-ecosystem/)DigitalSwitzerland
The transition to an ecosystem of digital credentials, initiated by the [federal government’s directional decision](https://www.admin.ch/gov/de/start/dokumentation/medienmitteilungen.msg-id-86465.html), is a generational project that requires input from – and collaboration between – government, the private sector, academia, and civil society. This document is intended to serve as an initial contribution to the ongoing meta-level debate about the development of the e-ID ecosystem in Switzerland
* [The White House’s Future of the Internet is Available Today](https://indicio.tech/the-white-houses-future-of-the-internet-is-available-today/)Indicio Tech
The Biden administration, in coordination with 60 other countries, on Thursday unveiled a “[Declaration for the Future of the Internet](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/04/28/fact-sheet-united-states-and-60-global-partners-launch-declaration-for-the-future-of-the-internet/)” that “reclaims the promise of the Internet in the face of the global opportunities and challenges presented by the 21st century.”
* [Senate Asks FTC to Investigate ID.me for Deceptive Business Practices](https://findbiometrics.com/senate-asks-ftc-investigate-id-me-deceptive-business-practices-052004/)FindBiometrics
* [Drafting of the eIDAS 2.0 report with amendment tracking](https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/ITRE-PR-732707_EN.pdf)Europa.eu
Kaliya is working on a commentary about it
Vedran L. Head of Office at European Parliament [has released a draft report with tracking of amendments](https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/ITRE-PR-732707_EN.pdf) on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 as regards establishing a framework for a European Digital Identity
* [European Commission adopts decision to license European Blockchain Services Infrastructure software as open-source](https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks/wikis/display/EBSI/European%2BCommission%2Badopts%2Bdecision%2Bto%2Blicense%2BEuropean%2BBlockchain%2BServices%2BInfrastructure%2Bsoftware%2Bas%2Bopen%2Bsource)
The Decision to make EBSI software available for licencing under the [European Union Public Licence](https://secure-web.cisco.com/1HQ5AQijOEcsuKHH5VY-lAjONv1Pa-wUY7mpfsymIkIy1G_g9CZh6vK5g0lpjxgIm0oaik042EN-5tL8xLpeesMtxZ0ENcH239uYTSSmPTbu1YtBJ5xHMWZMksOeS6X71soiQSQpoQF8fyzOr1I4atICut-sSt9Wqyou4vpS5myXfHf3S6AMMuyvAxla1etuiJbNKx4gfAlzozwPMe7yC7GNXIsZeCiNuAYA5io7f3CIwdvldsHFBtuGNYI4Z86EMXdfyQXEsR7zidw-7WNQeJpBVDCUVFJymXSb-SXsqJH8jfAf6-U9vC1ilrqATHFaZXXLWlOCOCmlS3nS9kev41tys8SvSKYuGX1FLyFgPgufe__oJ7pmihT7ABqB4AzLy7VMeHBSQfOgbkj11ZEltw4e-kd3XI7KmlREgqfYQ45T7r_VGJo3uCTUG1FlIcAkq8MON0W9AZCAMQyT5UAReSZ7LslcOaF38g6bgAGO0N_C39g6T63pWI-caAZ2h-1_m/https%253A%252F%252Fec.europa.eu%252Finfo%252Feuropean-union-public-licence_en)is an example of how the European Commission is not only using, but also contributing to the open-source community and thereby growing the ecosystem around EBSI.
* [EIDAS 2.0 Turns To Self-Sovereign Identification To Bring Users Ownership And Control](https://www.forbes.com/sites/alastairjohnson/2022/07/05/eidas-20-turns-to-self-sovereign-identification-to-bring-users-ownership-and-control/?sh%3D853aa7f7f07e)Forbes
* [Meet the eSSIF-Lab ecosystem: “Completing the Framework” Programme participants](https://essif-lab.eu/meet-the-essif-lab-ecosystem-meet-the-essif-lab-ecosystem-completing-the-framework-programme-participants-amme-participants-2/)
* [PCDS-DP](https://compell.io/)- Product Circularity Data Sheets Digital Passport
* [ESSIF](https://sis.lt/)- 4 Logistics SSI based authorization for cross- border government and business representatives in logistics
* [Symfoni AS](https://www.symfoni.dev/)- Infrastructure to facilitate payments for verifiable credentials
* [Datarella GmbH](https://datarella.com/)- Go Aries – Enabling CL-Support on Aries Framework Go
* [ID.me](https://www.id.me/)’s legal woes are continuing to escalate. The company is now staring down the prospect of its second federal investigation in as many months, after the House of Representatives’ Oversight and Reform Committee [initiated its review in April](https://findbiometrics.com/congress-opens-formal-investigation-into-id-mes-irs-project-041801/).
* [The New Draft Law on eID Switzerland](https://www.procivis.ch/post/the-new-draft-law-on-eid-switzerland-en)Procivis
Yesterday's [media conference](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3DepW4xEqr3mw)and published [media release](https://www.bj.admin.ch/bj/de/home/aktuell/mm.msg-id-89515.html)opened the consultation process for the new E-ID law, which will last until October 20, 2022.
The preliminary [draft of the federal law](https://www.bj.admin.ch/dam/bj/de/data/staat/gesetzgebung/staatliche-e-id/vorentw.pdf)declared the purpose of the E-ID to be to ensure "secure identification by means of E-ID among private individuals and with authorities". The protection of the personality and fundamental rights of individuals is to be provided by the following principles defined in the law:
- Data protection through technology
- Data security
- Data economy
- Decentralized data storage
* [Lacchain ID Framework](https://publications.iadb.org/publications/english/document/LACChain-ID-Framework-A-Set-of-Recommendations-for-Blockchain-Based-Interoperable-Privacy-Preserving-Regulatory-Compliant-Secure-and-Standardized-Digital-Identifiers-Credentials-and-Wallets.pdf)
A Set of Recommendations for Blockchain-Based Interoperable, Privacy-Preserving, Regulatory Compliant, Secure and Standardized Digital Identifiers, Credentials, and Wallets.
* [Is the EU Digital Identity Wallet an Implementation of Self-Sovereign Identity?](https://thepaypers.com/expert-opinion/is-the-eu-digital-identity-wallet-an-implementation-of-self-sovereign-identity--1257448)The Paypers
As the details and technical architecture of the EU Digital Identity Wallet at the time of writing are still unknown, this analysis is based on what is currently known or can be assumed.
The SSI principles of existence, access, interoperability, consent, minimalization, and protection will likely be fulfilled by the EU Digital Identity Wallet. It will allow citizens to have an independent existence.
* [Collected submissions on AU Digital Identity system](https://lockstep.com.au/collected-submissions-on-au-digital-identity-system/)Lockstep
- The international digital identity industry has moved comprehensively towards decentralised verifiable credentials and strong client-side authentication tools (especially through the [FIDO Alliance](https://fidoalliance.org/); Australia needs to catch up with these standards.
- The Australian states are implementing digitised credentials at a rapid rate, refocusing from Who a citizen is, to What attributes and claims they need to prove online; DTA risks being left behind by these developments.
* [Lockstep Submission – AU Digital Identity Legislation (1.0)](https://lockstep.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Lockstep-Submission-AU-Digital-Identity-Legislation-1.0.pdf)
* [Lockstep Submission – AU Digital Identity Legislation Phase 2 210714](https://lockstep.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Lockstep-Submission-AU-Digital-Identity-Legislation-Phase-2-210714.pdf)
* [Analyst Chat #134: How Self-Sovereign Identities Will Influence Public Services](https://www.kuppingercole.com/watch/self-sovereign-identities-public-services)KuppingerCole
Europe
* [What is EBSI? EBSI making information easy to verify and almost impossible to fake](https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks/wikis/display/EBSI/What%2Bis%2Bebsi/)
Below you will find a series of publications that will walk you through the technologies that make it possible for Public Administrations and Businesses to easily verify and trust information received directly from Citizens (or Businesses).
* [Self-Sovereign Digital Identity Wallets for Citizens](https://tages.biz/self-sovereign-digital-identity-wallets-for-citizens/)TAGES
TR Ministry of Foreign Affairs Directorate for EU Affairs organized an EU Programs and Project Opportunities Hybrid Workshop on May 11-12, 2022 [...]
You can click to watch all the presentations from the event:
11 May 2022: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKlgfRSCeXI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3DGKlgfRSCeXI)
12 May 2022: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQIgwVJvFuE&t=28020s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3DDQIgwVJvFuE%26t%3D28020s)
* [What Is GovTech?](https://www.pingidentity.com/en/resources/blog/post/what-Is-govtech.html)
Based on technology, the GovTech agenda is driven by the GovTech Solutions Group (GSG) and GovTech Global Partnership (GTBP) under Governance Global Practice (GGP). But what does GovTech do? What are its objectives and challenges, and how can it best fulfill them
