The widespread use of smartphones, as well as the growing need to always have documents at hand, are a consolidated reality, also (and above all) for travellers. The good news is that an App could soon make the lives of Italian citizens even easier.
It is, in fact, expected to January 2025 the official launch of‘IT Walletthe first ‘digital wallet’ which will allow you to have all the essential documents on your device. This is the first step towards European Digital Identity (EUDI) Walletwhich from 2026 will allow EU citizens to access a recognition system valid throughout Europe, with advantages also for those who travel.
What is IT Wallet and how it works
Introduced by the Pnrr decree, the IT Wallet is a digital wallet system that allows you to store documents such as identity cards, health cards, driving licenses and European disability cards. It will be integrated intoIO App, already used by millions of people to access Public Administration services online, and will have two versions, one public and one private. You can, therefore, use the IT Wallet to show documents during a check, both in person and on the web, or to access online services, such as car rental.
The introduction of this platform does not aim to replace existing digital authentication and identification systems, such as the Electronic Identity Card (CIE) or the Public Digital Identity System (SPID), but rather to aggregate these systems into asingle platformfacilitating consultation through an intuitive interface.
Three objectives declared at the Sun 24 Hours by the undersecretary to the Presidency of the Council with responsibility for technological innovation Alessio Butti, i.e. redesigning the digital identity while protecting transparency and security, simplifying the user experience in the use of physical and online services, making relations with the Public Administration smarter.
‘Digital wallet’, the next steps
There first activation digital versions of fundamental documents such as the health card, the driving license and the European disability card are foreseen by July 2024. One will then start in September testing phase, in which the IT Wallet will be progressively made available to an increasingly larger number of users. At the same time, we will move forward with the legislative process that will define the rules of the entire digital wallet ecosystem. As mentioned, for the official public launch we will have to wait for January 2025, when you will be able to download the latest version of the IO App and thus activate the IT Wallet, with Cie or Spid.
In the first launch phase, IT Wallet will allow you to collect some of the most used electronic documents, namely:
- health insurance card
- driver’s license
- European Disability Charter
- medical prescriptions
- qualifications
Over time, the list of documents in digital format included in the digital wallet will be gradually expanded, while ensuring the privacy protection and the security of personal data.
“The acceleration of the process with respect to the Eudi Wallet is a strategic choice aimed at positioning Italy as a leader in the adoption of digital technologies and in compliance with the new European regulations on digital identity – underlines Butti – This move will allow us to test and refine the country’s digital infrastructure in view of the full cross-border interoperability foreseen by the Eudi Wallet in 2026″.
