D4.2: Set of requirements for interoperability of Identity Management Systems

FIDIS REQUIREMENTS FOR USERS, GOVERNMENTS AND MERCHANTS

Requirements for users, governments and merchants

For Libon, the new system should not just map the paper-based system into the digital environment, rather, new processes should be created. The new system should be user-centred rather than government-centred. For him, users require simplification and privacy. They also want faster services, more convenience, fewer contact points and increased transparency and participation on decisions for sharing personal information. Governments are more concerned with data management and the legal environment for data exchanges. Governments require sound governance models for managing information, appropriate information management policies and solid information regulation. Libon also refers to the creation of a government platform to which all ministries could connect and share data. He sees syntax and semantic agreement as the main requirement in developing this platform.

From the government perspective, Timmers highlights the need for establishing a common terminology which he sees as a starting point to tackle the problem. Timmers sees as the key requirement for users to have easy access and transparency of the internal administrative processes. The system should be user-centric and users should not need to replicate data entries: the user should be given the possibility of using the same data across applications. Users also require data protection, privacy, citizen rights and democratic control.

However, for Timmers, the most important aspect is that users should feel that the system works properly and they trust it. He sees trust and acceptance as a vital issue for technology adoption. Creating awareness and communicating to the users is critical.

Hollosi and Martin say that in Austria the new ID card ensures that a person cannot be tracked across various databases, as every sector, or even application, must use a different identifier. This regulation is an important and specific requirement in the Austian egovernment legislation. They also say that users want to be able to use the card at home through their computers. This requires new equipment (card readers). For governments the main requirement is security and communication with the users.