Belgian Digital Identity App Itsme Becomes Free for Flemish Public Sector
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Loading... - Hannelore Gilbert
- 31 Jan 2025
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The Belgian digital identity app Itsme will now be available free of charge for Flemish municipalities, government services, and schools. This decision comes after the Flemish digitalization agency, Digitaal Vlaanderen, agreed to cover the fees associated with Itsme's use until 2029.
Owned by a consortium of local telecom companies and banks, Itsme allows Belgian citizens to verify their identity when accessing various services, including government services, banks, insurance companies, and other private entities. While the app remains free for citizens, organizations typically pay an annual fee per user rather than per transaction, encouraging broader implementation across their processes.
The agreement between Digitaal Vlaanderen and Itsme is set to last until 2029, although the specific expenditure ceiling has not been disclosed. This initiative aims to promote digital adoption within public institutions, enabling them to utilize Itsme’s services for signing documents such as permits, certificates, school regulations, and reports.
As of now, Itsme boasts approximately seven million registered users in Belgium, representing over 80% of the adult population. In 2023, the app recorded a profit of €1.6 million (approximately $1.7 million).
Beyond its use for logging into banking platforms, Itsme is also employed for various everyday activities, including booking flights, renting cars, and managing employment processes. The company has implemented a robust infrastructure designed to prevent fraud, including phishing attacks, as explained by CEO Stephanie De Bruyne during a webinar in September 2024.
This move to make Itsme free for the Flemish public sector is expected to enhance digital accessibility and streamline interactions between citizens and government services, further solidifying Itsme's role as a key player in Belgium's digital landscape.
