The Spanish National Police launches an ambitious digital identity plan

On February 29th, the Spanish National Police officially presented through its social media channels a Digital Identity Plan aimed at enhancing public and private digital services accessibility for citizens.

T

he new Digital Identity project consists of several substantial initiatives, with some already in operation. Others will be gradually implemented in the coming months. With this plan, Spain streamlines numerous procedures for individuals and businesses, enhances the efficiency of public administration, and connects digitally isolated territories, all while reducing costs. 

miDNI (my National ID document): Virtual ID on the Smartphone 

The new plan proposes the replacement of the traditional physical ID card with a virtual representation that can be securely stored on a mobile device. To use it, citizens only need to present a QR code that grants access to the digitally signed image of the document by the Spanish National Police. Thanks to this measure, individuals can authenticate themselves with the same validity as if using the physical document when opening a bank account, renting a car, or checking in at a hotel. 

To implement miDNI, work will be undertaken on an online service to obtain the virtual image of the document. In a subsequent phase, the issuance of identification certificates with European recognition and a centralized electronic signature will be facilitated. These certificates will enable citizens to conduct online procedures in various countries within the European Union. The centralized electronic signature will serve as a secure and legally valid method for signing digital documents. 

Multiple issuance modules 

These user-friendly operating modules, already deployed in several Spanish cities, are designed to streamline the issuance process of both ID cards and passports. By the end of June this year, the Spanish National Police plans to install approximately 130 of these units throughout the country. 

• They enable the capture of biometric data and the acquisition of the necessary photograph to issue the document at the moment of application, enhancing the procedure’s security and reducing the risk of identity theft.  
• The process is expedited, allowing the issuer to assist two individuals simultaneously while maintaining maximum privacy.  
• The modules are equipped with a screen through which users can change their password and access electronic certificates stored on the document’s chip. 

Mobile documentation units 

As a measure to ensure equal access across the national territory and promote digitization in remote or sparsely populated areas, the plan includes the deployment of 85 mobile units. These units will be used to issue digital documents with the same security and privacy guarantees as a police station. 

Documentation update stations 

Existing Documentation Update Stations or DUS (Puestos de Actualización de Documentación, PAD) in National Police stations will be renovated and expanded. These stations allow citizens to update their electronic ID data and carry out other procedures and inquiries related to this document. 

Currently, 20 stations are operational, and by the end of the first semester of 2024, 230 stations will be installed in numerous municipalities. 

New payment system for ID card or passport fees via Point-of-Sale 

Through a contract awarded to Banco Santander and Getnet, a part of the PagoNxt payment platform within the Santander Group, the plan broadens the payment options for ID card or passport fees through Point-of-Sale terminals or TPVs (Terminal de Punto de Venta). Spread across all regions, the plan already boasts 1800 TPV units. Mobile units also incorporate this payment method. 

A digital identity plan to transform the relationship between citizens, public administrations, and the private sector 

The National Identity Plan represents a “revolution,” as declared by Minister Grande-Marlaska during the announcement of the virtual ID in late 2022. Over time, the project has been refined, incorporating actions that address specific needs. 

The plan eliminates the need for travel, enhances security by implementing the latest data protection measures in the virtual ID and miDNI application, ensuring the confidentiality of citizens’ personal information. Additionally, it streamlines administrative procedures through the introduction of multiple issuance modules and the renewal of Documentation Update Stations, making the use of the identity document more flexible with complete access and control by the user. 

Ultimately, the National Identity Plan plays a crucial role in the modernization of the Spanish Public Administration, contributing to the improvement of service quality for citizens. This approach reflects the commitment to provide more efficient and accessible management for the benefit of society. 

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