Digital wallet 2027: Towards more data protection for everyone!

Digital wallet 2027: Towards more data protection for everyone!

On July 18, 2025, an important position paper was published that addresses the implementation of the EU Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet). This digital wallet, which is intended to make it easier for citizens to handle important documents, will have to be offered in every EU member state in the coming years. According to the requirements, EU countries must provide the wallet by the beginning of 2027. The aim is to enable citizens to use their smartphones instead of plastic cards to identify themselves in public and private services. The paper comes from a coalition of leading business and civil society associations, including Bitkom and the German Banking Industry, who see this project as a social mandate.

However, the signatories of the position paper emphasize that the implementation of the wallet is not a sure-fire success. Rather, several decisions are necessary for success. This includes the development of digital skills among users and in the state apparatus, binding legal regulations and technical standards, a clever consumer protection concept for data transfer and continuous control at ministerial level. Key use cases such as digital identification, digital driving licenses or digital travel documents are also to be created.

Use cases and features

The EUDI wallet, which is based on an EU law that comes into force in May 2024, should not only be voluntary and free, but also operate interoperably. Users have control over their data and can decide for themselves what information they want to share. The reference to national identity systems is necessary and should be implemented differently depending on the Member State. The onboarding process is considered simple and user-friendly.

The wallet's planned functions include the ability to securely store digital documents such as educational certificates or medical prescriptions and pass them on to third parties via QR codes. Two examples of how the wallet can demonstrate usefulness are age verification for discounts without revealing the exact date of birth and the ability for users to conveniently manage access to their data via a built-in privacy dashboard.

Privacy and security

The EUDI wallet has high security standards and allows users to gain access through the security features of their mobile devices. Weiterhin können sie über das Dashboard auch unrechtmäßige Datenverarbeitungen an die nationale Datenschutzbehörde melden. Ein klarer Überblick über die Historie der Datenverwendungen stellt sicher, dass Nutzer jederzeit wissen, welche Informationen geteilt werden.

Die Bundesregierung in Deutschland trägt die Verantwortung für die nationale Umsetzung der Verordnung zur Wallet. A transparent and well-thought-out concept is necessary to convince citizens of the advantages of the digital wallet and to dispel fears about data protection and security. With digital services growing and privacy concerns at the same time, the EUDI wallet is seen as a crucial step towards a modern and secure digital society.