How Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) addresses the challenges of digitalising public services

Millions of citizens interact with public services daily, whether to access social benefits, complete tax procedures, or verify their identity with government agencies. Far from being mere administrative processes, these interactions present key opportunities to strengthen trust between citizens and institutions.  

H

owever, as governments digitalise these services, new challenges emerge. Data security, accessibility for all citizens, interoperability between systems, and reducing digital bureaucracy are crucial factors that can determine the success or failure of this transformation. 

In response to these new scenarios, TrustCloud Wallet, based on the self-sovereign identity (SSI) model, has been created to ensure that these profound changes in public services are secure, efficient, and inclusive. Moreover, TrustCloud Wallet complies with eIDAS 2.0, the European Union’s regulatory framework that sets digital identity standards to enhance interoperability and trust in the European digital ecosystem, which came into force in May 2024. 

What are the challenges of public services? 

• Data security and privacy 

The management of digital identities raises concerns about information security. Centralised identity databases can become targets for cyberattacks, putting citizens’ sensitive data at risk, especially when organisations fail to implement adequate defences. 

• Digital divide 

Not all citizens have access to advanced technologies or sufficient digital skills to navigate complex systems. Poorly implemented digitalisation can exclude vulnerable sectors of the population. 

• Digital bureaucracy 

If digital processes are complex or unintuitive, they can create more obstacles instead of making citizens’ lives easier. Excessive forms or multiple authentication steps can make digital procedures just as cumbersome as physical ones. 

• Lack of interoperability 

Digital solutions often operate in isolation, with little effective communication between different agencies. This forces citizens to repeat processes or provide the same information across multiple platforms. In the public sector (universities, social services, etc.), this lack of cohesion leads to inefficiencies, delays, and a greater administrative burden for both citizens and institutions. 

TrustCloud Wallet is the tool citizens need 

TrustCloud Wallet, based on the self-sovereign identity (SSI) model, addresses these challenges by giving citizens full control over their digital identity, eliminating unnecessary intermediaries, and ensuring secure and efficient credential verification. Most importantly, applying for a scholarship, signing an official document, proving one’s age on a gaming platform, or opening a bank account becomes a simpler, faster, and fairer process. 

Greater security and control over data 

• With SSI, digital identity is not stored in a centralised database, reducing the risk of cyberattacks. 

• Citizens have full control over their data and decide what information to share with each entity, minimising unnecessary exposure. 

• Decentralised verification allows third parties to confirm the authenticity of credentials without accessing sensitive information. 

Digital inclusion and ease of use 

• TrustCloud Wallet is designed to be accessible and user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that simplifies digital credential management. 

• It can be integrated with physical support options, such as self-service kiosks or in-person assistance, ensuring access for those less familiar with technology. 

• By decentralising digital identity, the need for constant internet access to verify credentials is reduced. 

Eliminating digital bureaucracy 

• Citizens can store and manage verified digital documents in their wallet, such as IDs, academic certificates, or government permits, without the need for repetitive procedures. 

• Instant authentication with institutions, eliminating the need for multiple validations or lengthy forms. 

• Reduced waiting times and administrative costs for governments. 

Guaranteed interoperability with eIDAS 2.0 

• TrustCloud Wallet complies with eIDAS 2.0. 

• It enables the recognition of digital identities across different EU countries, allowing citizens to access public services without geographical restrictions. 

• Cross-border verification without the need for additional registrations in each country. 

Use cases of TrustCloud Wallet in public services 

The impact of TrustCloud Wallet on the digitalisation of public services is significant, offering unique flexibility for a wide range of use cases. 

• Digital identification for government procedures 

Citizens can present their digital ID via TrustCloud Wallet to access government services without the need for physical documents. 

Example: A citizen renewing their driving licence can verify their identity online without visiting an office. 

• Access to social benefits without unnecessary bureaucracy 

Social assistance programmes can automatically verify citizens’ eligibility without requiring multiple forms or repetitive income checks. 

Example: Someone applying for financial assistance can share their verified credentials in seconds instead of submitting paper documentation. 

• Simplified tax declaration and payment 

Secure identification and digital authentication streamline the tax filing process, reducing fraud and administrative errors. 

Example: A self-employed individual can verify their identity and submit their tax return in minutes, avoiding complex procedures and the need for an appointment. 

• Identity verification for financial and administrative services 

The wallet enables citizens to validate their identity for financial services, digital notarisation, or administrative processes without manual authentication. 

Example: A citizen opening a bank account can use their verified digital identity in TrustCloud Wallet without visiting a branch in person. 

A secure, inclusive, and interoperable digital future 

The digitalisation of public services is an unavoidable necessity, but it must be implemented with security, accessibility, and interoperability guarantees to strengthen citizens’ trust in the system. 

TrustCloud Wallet, based on self-sovereign identity (SSI), offers an innovative solution that: 

1. Protects personal data and prevents unnecessary exposure. 
2. Eliminates digital bureaucracy, making processes more agile and efficient while avoiding repetitive steps. 
3. Ensures digital inclusion, facilitating access for all citizens. 
4. Complies with eIDAS 2.0, guaranteeing an interoperable and secure standard across the EU. 

Digital transformation should not be just a technological upgrade but an evolution that places citizens’ trust and privacy at its core. Solutions like TrustCloud Wallet make digitalisation not only more efficient but also more human and accessible. 

Reduce bureaucracy, streamline processes, and ensure compliance with eIDAS 2.0. 

Request a demo of TrustCloud Wallet now