The online identity function
What is it exactly?
The online identity function offers new scope for the electronic residence title. This proof of identity allows users to identify themselves securely and clearly on the internet or at vending machines – in the sense of "This is me".
If you decide to use the online identity function, you can prove your identity in electronic communications with the electronic residence title. You can also prove your identity electronically without actually being present wherever services are offered to specific individuals. Such services may be on-line services offered by private companies, such as on-line shops, banks, e-mail providers or social networks. But administrative providers, such as the vehicle registration office can also use the functionalities of the electronic residence title in the context of e-government services.
Where can I use the online identity function?
The online identity function can be used only with providers who actually offer electronic identity in their services. Not all offers on the internet were automatically adapted to the new procedure with the launch of the electronic residence title. Identification using the on-line identity function is offered rather as a secure and convenient alternative to the registration procedure used to date.
How does the online identity function work?
In the future, combined with your PIN, the electronic residence title can be used for logging in and registering with online services.
The electronic residence title can provide the necessary data to these services (e.g. name and address of the document holder). Such data often have to be specified when you first register, when filling in forms and applications or agreeing contracts. The card holder however makes the final decision about which data are transferred and confirms the transmission by inputting his PIN. With the online identity function, the information is transmitted to the electronic application in a split second and without errors .
Access to personal data is permitted only to service providers who have an authorisation certificate. Before conferring this authority, the state Issuing Unit for Terminal Certificates (VfB) checks the service provider's identity, the plausibility of its application and whether the provider complies with the conditions governing data protection. In addition, data categories are specified that the provider may read in carrying out his services.
You are shown in advance the data that will be transmitted to the service provider and you are asked to select it as being approved by you. The data transmission does not take place until you input your PIN. Your data are transmitted only to the service provider in question within the framework of the online identity function.
Which data/information are transmitted?
The following details are always transmitted when using the on-line identity function:
- a statement as to whether the electronic residence title is valid
- the "locking features" (so that the service provider knows if the on-line identity function has been blocked?)
The following data can only be transmitted with your agreement:
- surname
- first name(s)
- doctorate
- place and date of birth
- address
- type of document
- "pseudonym function"
- the country that issued the document
- confirmation of age (whether you have reached a certain age)
- confirmation of residence (whether you live in a specific town, region or Land)
display as attention: Note:
If you would like to know
- What you need to use the on-line identity function,
- The advantages offered by the online identity function,
- How data protection and self-determination are guaranteed,
then please click on the relevant link.
You can download the AusweisApp to use the on-line identity function free of charge here.
