CSC Develops Digital ID Card for Belgium

Belgium's 10 million citizens now use a digital eID card to file taxes, open bank accounts and make purchases on the Internet through the card's unique ability to digitally authenticate identity. CSC designed eID to electronically read and validate identity data, authenticate data remotely, and provide a digital signature for electronic documents. The cardholder's identity and photo can be verified when inserted into a card reader. Data stored in the card's chip is protected by a government-generated digital signature, which allows the card to be read and verified without human intervention.

Collaborating and achieving buy-in

During a 2001 feasibility study, CSC consulted with Belgian government municipalities, police, Social Security organizations and software suppliers to achieve buy-in and balance functionality, security and cost for the government. CSC helped the government select the suppliers of the cards and certification services; designed the specifications of how the eID cards would work; and worked with the card producers to design the chip functionalities, supporting software, tests and production data exchange environment.

As part of a 2003 pilot, the government distributed to citizens, companies and administrations in 11 municipalities a software solution that integrates eID authentication and identity data validation into any application. Full deployment of the cards for the entire country began in 2004 and will be completed by 2009.

Global opportunities

The drive to modernize ID documents varies depending on the needs of the country, but countless uses of eID cards are possible, including the preservation of homeland security, immigration and anti-terrorist control and even elections. Belgium's primary concern was e-government, but the successful adoption of the card is snowballing into commercial applications.

Belgium's private sector is integrating the eID card into various business environments, including the banking sector. The eID card will serve as the authentication token for all e-banking applications and point-of-sale terminals are being adapted to accept eID cards. Post offices are being outfitted with readers to verify residences of recipients receiving registered mail. Integrating industry-specific data into the eID card could make it usable for physical security; Web site/portal access; e-procurement; healthcare transactions; e-invoicing; or as a student, municipal or healthcare card.

Belgium's digital ID card received a 2005 Award for Technical Excellence, CSC's top honor for innovation sponsored by the Leading Edge Forum, which provides technology thought leadership for CSC.