Members of the European Parliament’s Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) discussed on Thursday 8 September the compromise amendments proposed by the rapporteur, Andrus Ansip (Renew Europe, Estonian), concerning the future Digital Identity Wallet (see EUROPE 13009/8).
The changes made by Mr Ansip received the support of a large majority of the political groups, starting with the clarification that the text is binding for Member States, but that the wallet is to be used by citizens on a voluntary basis.
“We are not replacing the tools that already exist, citizens can continue to use them if this works well”, commented the rapporteur in the IMCO.
This was an important aspect for the S&D, from which many of the amendments tabled were adopted. The group wanted the text to also take into consideration people who are unable to use the wallet, such as disabled or ill people. The Left group was also heard from as it insisted on the importance of avoiding potential discrimination for those who decide not to use the wallet.
However, several MEPs - despite having assured of the support of their group - also expressed their fears about the fact that the data is all grouped together in a single register. This, said Marcel Kolaja (Greens/EFA, Czech), could “create a cybersecurity risk”.
Similarly, Anne-Sophie Pelletier (French), on behalf of The Left, regretted that the text did not go far enough in terms of guarantees in terms of data collection and insisted on the need for users to have total control over their sensitive data, particularly their health data.
MEPs will vote on this matter on Monday 12 September in the IMCO Committee. (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)