US and EU advance cooperation on digital ID standards

Following a recent Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting, the US and the EU have announced significant progress in aligning technical standards for digital identity. A joint statement released after the meeting outlines plans to identify use cases for transatlantic interoperability and cooperation, paving the way for cross-border digital identity and wallet usage.

This collaboration, which aims to harmonize technology and trade policies, has already yielded tangible results, such as the Digital Identity Mapping Exercise Report, which covers standards for electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions.

Despite some differences, notably in trust services, both sides are committed to continued information exchange through mechanisms like the Strategic Standardisation Information (SSI).

Why does it matter?

The EU and US share the world’s most integrated economic relationship, with the US remaining the EU’s largest trading partner. While the Digital Identity Mapping Report aims for shared terminology, it’s important to note that the EU member countries aren’t bound by US NIST guidance, and vice versa; harmonizing frameworks between them could streamline cross-border trade and promote secure transatlantic online access.