As the European Information Society develops, the digital representation of personal characteristics is changing our ways of identifying individuals. Plural identities are emerging, which challenge traditional notions of identity. At the same time scientific disciplines have a different understanding of the term “Identity” and European states manage identities in diverse ways.

At IST 2004, the largest IT related conference in Europe (Den Hague, November 15-17, 2004) the FIDIS NoE will organize a networking session entitled: "The identities of identity" - an interdisciplinary and international challenge".

This session will give an insight into the different meanings of identity and the ways it is handled. It aims at establishing and intensifying contact with interested parties especially from EU Member States not yet covered by the network of excellence FIDIS (Future of Identity in the Information Society).<?

The session will be a round table with short presentations to:

1. Introduce FIDIS, the Network of Excellence "Future of Identity in the Information Society" (Kai Rannenberg, Goethe University Frankfurt, FIDIS Coordinator). [Presentation.pdf]
2. Illustrate how direct technological links bring our understanding of an "individual" human’s identity into question and challenge present concepts of Identity (Kevin Warwick, Reading University). [Presentation.pdf] [Movie1] [Movie2] [Movie3]
3. Present an overview of definitions of identity from a multidisciplinary perspective, spanning the many dimensions of identity (technical, social, organizational, legal, etc.). A brief series of cases will help to understand the issues and the articulation between these different dimensions. (Thierry Nabeth, INSEAD, Coordinator FIDIS WP 2: "Taxonomy of Identity, Anonymity and Pseudonymity"). [Presentation.pdf]
4. Present an overview of identity management systems and their main characteristics and use (Henry Krasemann, ICPP Schleswig-Holstein, Coordinator FIDIS WP3: "HighTechID"). [Presentation.pdf]
5. Aim at discussing these views and descriptions and collect more from the audience.

For additional information on this FIDIS event, take a look at the "Resources Section" on this page, for an annotated version of the agenda, etc.