Signicat, a Norwegian digital identity company, has introduced an online service for requesting digital certificates in partnership with ISTEC, a Spanish provider of electronic trust services. This service empowers individuals to apply for a qualified digital certificate, eliminating the necessity for an in-person visit, they said in a press release last week.

The process involves verifying the user's identity through video-based facial biometrics and comparing it to the biometric data on an official ID document photo. This method enhances security by preventing identity theft or manipulation of ID documents, ensuring compliance with the European Commission's eIDAS (electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services) regulation governing digital identity verification.

This service is accessible to individuals aged 15 and above with a valid ID card. The digital certificate, valid for three years, grants holders access to various digital services, including online tax management, employment record requests, and government benefits and subsidies applications.

Why does it matter?

This move aligns with the growing interest in digital wallets, which are increasingly popular for payments and identity management. Several factors, including the rising popularity of mobile devices, the growing demand for contactless payments, and the increased security of digital wallets, drive this trend.