Portuguese government tests new eID card

The results of the first tests on the new Portuguese ID card (Cartão do Cidadão) were presented at an official ceremony, on 8 March 2006, attended by Prime Minister José Sócrates. The new cards will revolutionise the way in which Portuguese citizens interact with government - they will also reduce the number of documents they need to carry in their wallets.

The Cartão will include an electronic chip containing all data visible on the ID document, as well as the digital signature necessary for the electronic identification and authentication of the card-holder. No biometrics is currently integrated. The new card can be used as an eID card and will provide access to a great number of administrative services available on-line.

It will also aggregate and replace five of the other existing ID cards: the social security card, the public health service card, the tax-payer’s card, the elector’s card and, of course, the current ID card or Bilhete de Identidade.The project is part of the Portuguese government’s plan to simplify the administration by streamlining procedures, phasing-out paper certificates and promoting electronic administration.

The new ID card will offer a high level of reliability and security as regards a citizen’s identification, in compliance with EU requirements and standards.The technical aspects of the new card have now been successfully tested - including logistics and interoperability. However, the final ‘look’ of this precious document has yet to be unveiled.

Further information:

http://www.planotecnologico.pt/index.php?page=14&id=93

http://www.planotecnologico.pt/index.php?page=14&id=105

Source : European Biometrics Portal