Electronic identification and trust services: convenience and confidence in the online world - Main contents
An EU online trust mark to promote and improve trust, security and convenience online
We cannot get the best out of the opportunities offered by digital tools and online networks if we do not trust them. People will hesitate to use e-services - maybe not use them at all - if they are not confident that they are reliable, safe and secure.
Trust is a 'must', across the board. That applies, for example, to the constant battle against cybercrime, preventing the misuse of consumers' personal data, or to strengthening the rights of online shoppers across the European Union.
Building confidence in the online world is a basic principle for building a Digital Single Market.
Using electronic identification and trust services is an important part of our plan to achieve this goal, which is why I was pleased to see that earlier today, the "e-Mark U Trust" competition announced its winner whose logo will now become the EU's trust mark for qualified trust services.
Design and art students from across the European Union were invited to submit their most innovative design for a simple, original and clever trust mark to convey a sense of trust and reassurance - and to show that internet users can carry out their online transactions in a safe, convenient and secure way.
Congratulations to the winner, Igor Štumberger, from Slovenia - whose logo will be displayed on websites to reassure people that those online services can be trusted and that they are of an EU-regulated quality. It will reassure you, for example, that the certificate that you are using to sign an important contract will be legally recognised throughout Europe.
Here is the winning logo - and there is also a video about it that you can download.
The idea is to introduce the trust mark in 2016, which will give everyone time to become used to it.
This is what people expect from a well-functioning Digital Single Market: one with no borders or barriers to discourage online innovation and entrepreneurship.
The concept of establishing an EU trust mark was set out in last year's eIDAS regulation, which aims to allow people to shop online safely and conveniently, use online financial and public services, or even set up a business - beyond national borders.
I know what I am talking about. In Estonia, you only need 18 minutes to set up a limited liability company - by using your national eID online.
eIDAS is important because it provides a single set of rules on electronic trust services - electronic signatures, seals, time stamping, delivery services and website authentication - and electronic identification that apply throughout Europe.
This is a major building block for the DSM, helping both companies and anyone who wants to use online services. It promotes and improves trust, security and convenience online.
It helps Europe to move from a patchwork of national online markets to an integrated Digital Single Market where commercial and public services can flow easily and seamlessly across borders.
With electronic ID and trust services, Europe is already ahead of the game. Still, we need to promote our best technologies and services worldwide to secure more business and trade opportunities - and enjoy the real value of a truly digital economy.
My thanks for the great and inspirational work from all the young designers.
Here are the logos of the second- and third-placed entries. They also have accompanying videos and the links for these should be available soon. I will keep you informed and paste them here once they are ready.
Another blog soon.
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