eIDAS stands for "Electronic Identification, Authentication, and Trust Services." It is a set of regulations established by the European Union (EU) to create a framework for electronic transactions and interactions within the European Single Market. The eIDAS Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 910/2014) came into effect on July 1, 2016, with the aim of facilitating secure and seamless electronic transactions across EU member states.
Key components of the eIDAS Regulation include:
Electronic Identification (eID): eIDAS provides a legal framework for the recognition and acceptance of electronic identification means, allowing individuals and businesses to use electronic identification methods for online transactions and access to services.
Electronic Signatures: eIDAS defines different levels of electronic signatures, including simple electronic signatures, advanced electronic signatures, and qualified electronic signatures. The regulation establishes the legal equivalence of electronic signatures with traditional handwritten signatures, under certain conditions.
Electronic Seals: eIDAS introduces provisions for the use of electronic seals, which are electronic equivalents of traditional seals used to authenticate the origin and integrity of electronic documents.
Trust Services: The regulation establishes a framework for trust services providers, including entities that issue electronic certificates for website authentication, electronic signatures, electronic seals, and time stamps. Trust service providers can be qualified, and their services may receive a "qualified" status if they meet specific criteria outlined in the regulation.
Mutual Recognition of eIDs: eIDAS encourages EU member states to recognize and accept electronic identification means issued by other member states, promoting cross-border use of electronic identification for accessing online services.
The overarching goal of eIDAS is to create a more secure and interoperable environment for electronic transactions and services across the European Union, fostering trust in digital interactions and supporting the development of the digital single market. The regulation provides a legal framework to ensure the mutual recognition of electronic identification and trust services across EU member states.
