Digital identity wallets could be rolled out by the end of the year, according to plans before Cabinet today.

It would see digital versions of documents like a passport, birth cert, driving license and more, stored on a mobile phone app.

The European Parliament passed laws on digital identity in February and the move aims to improve accessibility to online public services.

On Newstalk Breakfast, Silicon Republic editor Jenny Darmody said the wallet will be optional for people.

“It’s voluntary and people don’t have to use it, but it will be GDPR and cybersecurity certified because the documents are important,” she said.

“It also says citizens can only share what is strictly necessary at a given time.

“If they’re showing a document, they don’t need to show their address necessarily if it’s not needed.

“They have said it will be cyber security certified, but member states will have to develop their own app.”

Flags of the European Union and its member states fly in the wind in front of the building of the European Parliament in Strasbourg in September 2019. Picture by: Philipp von Ditfurth/DPA/PA Images

Ms Darmody said it’s something Government has been exploring for some time.

“They have been quietly trialing a digital driving license since the start of the year so that there’s one on your phone and you won’t need to bring the card out in the car, hopefully,” she said.

“I think it’s a pilot move towards our own Government digital wallet app.”

'It's a concern'

Online safety is becoming more advanced, according to the tech expert.

“Smartphones are becoming more secure all the time and, if you lost your phone, most people would have a password on it or biometric identification like your face or your fingerprint,” she said.

“You can call your phone company, or service and try to get your phone blocked or bricked as quickly as possible so that information is not usable.

“But it’s always a concern with things on smartphones, we already have lots of personal documents on there.”

Digital wallet

Ms Darmody said the aim is that you will be able to leave important documents at home.

“When you’re supposed to have your passport with you, people are concerned they will lose their passport as it's the only copy they have and they might end up having to get a new one,” she said.

“It is moving to a seamless approach and making sure you always have ID on you and things like that.”

A digital wallet was already launched in Belgium last month.

Main image: A woman using a smartphone with digital wallet application. Image: Prostock-studio / Alamy Stock Photo