The EU ensures that a wallet used to hold *person identification data (PID)* and other identity information is “approved” (i.e., trustworthy and legally valid) through a *combination of law, certification, and technical standards* under the *eIDAS 2.0 framework*. Here’s a clear breakdown of how that assurance works: ------------------------------ 1) Only government‑issued or officially recognized wallets are allowed - Under the updated *eIDAS Regulation (EU) 2024/1183*, every EU Member State must provide at least one *official digital identity wallet* to citizens. [signzy.com] <https://www.signzy.com/regulation-glossary/eIDAS-2-digital-identity-EU> - These wallets are: - Issued *directly by the state*, or - Issued by *private providers that are formally recognized by the state*. [digital-st....europa.eu] <https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/eudi-regulation> ✅ This ensures that the wallet itself comes from a *trusted authority*, not just any app. ------------------------------ 2) Mandatory certification before a wallet can be used - The EU requires wallets to undergo *formal certification* before they are accepted. - Certification is based on: - *Cybersecurity requirements* - *Functional requirements* - *Data protection rules* [eur-lex.europa.eu] <https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2024/2981/oj/eng> ✅ In practice, this means a wallet must pass defined tests and audits to prove it is secure and reliable. ------------------------------ 3) Detailed technical rules (Implementing Acts) - The high-level law (eIDAS) is backed by *Implementing Regulations* that define: - How identity data (PID) and attributes must be stored and shared - Security and integrity controls - Interoperability protocols - Certification and compliance procedures [entrust.com] <https://www.entrust.com/resources/learn/eidas-implementing-acts> ✅ These rules ensure *all wallets behave consistently across the EU*, not differently in each country. ------------------------------ 4) Identity data must come from trusted issuers - The information inside the wallet (like PID or other attributes) is not self-declared. - It must be issued by: - *Public authorities* (e.g., national ID registries), or - *Qualified or recognized providers* (e.g., certified trust service providers) [identt.pl] <https://www.identt.pl/en/blog/attributes-in-the-european-digital-identity-wallet/> ✅ This guarantees that the identity data presented is *verifiable and authoritative*. ------------------------------ 5) Trust through “qualified trust service providers” (QTSPs) - The framework regulates *trust service providers* who issue or verify identity credentials. - These providers must meet strict EU requirements and may need *qualified status* (QTSP). [yousign.com] <https://yousign.com/blog/eidas-2-0-digital-identity-wallet-compliance-requirements> ✅ This creates a *regulated ecosystem of approved actors*, not open or unverified participants. ------------------------------ 6) Common architecture and standards across Europe - The EU defines a shared *Architecture and Reference Framework (ARF)* and common standards. [eudi-wallet.eu] <https://www.eudi-wallet.eu/> - All national wallets must follow: - Same technical protocols - Same data formats - Same security model ✅ This enables *mutual recognition*—a wallet approved in one country is trusted in all EU countries. ------------------------------ 7) Continuous compliance with privacy laws (GDPR) - All wallet processing of personal data must comply with: - *GDPR* and other EU privacy laws [eur-lex.europa.eu] <https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2024/2981/oj/eng> ✅ This ensures strong protection of personal identity information throughout its lifecycle. ------------------------------ Putting it together (simple explanation) The EU assures that a wallet is “approved” by ensuring: 1. ✅ It is *issued or recognized by a Member State* 2. ✅ It has passed *mandatory certification* 3. ✅ It follows *common EU technical rules and standards* 4. ✅ The identity data inside comes from *trusted, regulated issuers* 5. ✅ The whole system is governed by *strict security and privacy laws* ------------------------------ Key idea 👉 The wallet is not trusted because of the app itself — 👉 It is trusted because it is part of a *regulated, certified, government-backed ecosystem*. Peace ..tom jones