Slovensko.Digital Sees Security Risks in Electronic ID Cards

Bratislava, 18 September (TASR) - The Slovensko.Digital civil association believes that the configuration of electronic ID cards poses a security risk, as some of the features could potentially be unsafe in terms of personal data protection, the association's community manager Miroslava Kosecova told TASR on Thursday. According to Kosecova, anyone verifying the identity of people with the use of electronic ID cards, the so-called eDoklady, can download a copy of the document. "Anyone to whom you present your eID - be it a desk officer or a receptionist at a hotel - can save the complete set of your personal data from your ID card. Instead of the data being displayed only for verification purposes, or allowing you to select only the data you want to provide, all the data is available and can be downloaded," warned Slovensko.Digital. This procedure would constitute a breach of the rules for personal data protection and lay the groundwork for identity theft and fraud. Slovensko.Digital also reiterated its concerns that the project managed by the Interior Ministry and its funding are non-transparent. "Special attention should be paid to eDoklady, which the ministry said will form the basis of the European Digital Identity Wallet. A system that is intended to operate across Europe and relies primarily on public trust must not be hidden from the public, especially not from experts," stated Slovensko.Digital, adding that the publication and open licensing requirement is so important that it's been incorporated into the wording of the applicable EU regulation. jrg/df