Belgian citizens who wish to do so will also be able to apply for a digital identity card from November next year Belgian interior minister Bernard Quintin (Francophone liberal/MR) confirmed this morning. The digital card will not replace the current physical ID card immediately. The two systems will co-exist for the time being.
From November 2026, a digital version of the familiar identity card will be launched. Anybody who already holds an identity card will be able to apply for the digital version free of charge. ‘We have to enter the 21st century,’ interior minister Quintin insisted. ‘There are already so many apps on our smartphones, including payment cards. It is time for a digital identity card.’
Exactly what the card (or app) will look like remains guesswork for now. The interior ministry isn’t yet able to present a prototype.
It will be possible to use the card for identification and authentication purposes. Holders will be able to use the digital ID card to provide an electronic signature, and it will also be possible to be use the card to travel within the Schengen zone.
Security can be guaranteed
Possibilities are limitless. Thus also makes the card a favourite target for cybercriminals. According to Mr Quintin, this is also one of the reasons why his ministry is working so hard to provide security. ‘Security is really a reason to go for the best system. Security is very important. We are in an era of cybercrime, so it is a very important concern. I can tell you that my ministry is working very hard to achieve this.’
According to Mr Quintin, the new system will also have to provide strict security guarantees and will have to be certified by the EU.
According to cybersecurity expert Inti De Ceukelaire, it is still too early to say how secure the new digital card will be in practice, but he stresses that digital products can indeed be very secure. ‘Security need not pose a problem. In certain cases, digitalisation only offers security advantages.’
Good news for citizens who don't feel the need for a digital card or are less digitally savvy: the digital card will not be compulsory. According to Mr Quintin, there is no intention that the digital card will replace the physical version. ‘The two systems will continue to exist side by side. The current identity card is already much more modern than the one we used 20 years ago. But, all the same, we will explain to everyone how the digital card works, and why it is interesting.’