Published Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021 | 9:46 a.m.<\/p>\n
Updated 29 minutes ago<\/p>\n
BERLIN (AP) Germany says its citizens will be able to use smartphones to store their government-issued ID cards and prove their identity online.<\/p>\n
The move is part of a broader effort to haul Germany's decidedly analogue bureaucracy into the 21st century.<\/p>\n
The Interior Ministry said Wednesday that from this fall, citizens will be able to use the electronic ID stored in their smartphones together with a PIN number to prove they are who they claim to be when communicating with authorities or private businesses.<\/p>\n
Germans are frequently required to present credit card-sized cards featuring their photo and personal details, such as when applying for benefits, opening bank accounts or registering a vehicle. While there are already ways of doing this online, the physical card and a card reader are currently required.<\/p>\n
Separately, the ministry said the Cabinet has agreed on a bill that will make government-generated data openly available to businesses and private individuals where possible, to spur the development of new applications.<\/p>\n
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Germany to let citizens store ID cards on smartphone - Las Vegas Sun<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Published Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021 | 9:46 a.m Continue reading