Electronic identity card
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The electronic identity card (eID) is an official electronic proof of one's identity, used in Belgium. It also enables the possibility to sign electronic documents with a legal signature.
The identity card has the format of a regular bankcard, with basic identity information in visual format, such as personal details and a photograph.
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[edit] Chip contents
The eID card contains a chip containing:
- the same information as legible on the card
- the address of the card holder
- the identity - and signature keys and certificates
[edit] Using the eID
At home, the user can use their eID to log in to specific websites (such as Tax-on-Web, allowing them to fill in their tax form online). To do this the user needs
- Their eID card
- A smartcard reader
- The eID middleware software
When other software (such as an Internet Browser) attempts to read the eID, the user is asked for confirmation for this action, and potentially even for their PIN.
Other applications include signing emails with the user's eID certificate private key. Giving the public key to your recipient allows them to verify your identity.
[edit] Kids ID
Although legaly in Belgium people only have to carry an ID from the age of 12, recently[1] a "Kids ID" has been introduced for children below this age. This ID, among containing the usual things, also holds a contact number that people, or the child itself, can call when they for example are in danger or had an accident. Another goal is to allow children to join "youth-only" chatsites, using their eID to gain entrance. These sites would essentially block any users above a certain age from gaining access to the chat sessions, effectively blocking out potential pedophiles.
[edit] References
- ^ "Kids ID moet veiligheid kinderen verhogen" (in Dutch). http://www.deredactie.be/cm/de.redactie/binnenland/090320_KidsID. Retrieved on 2009-03-20.
