Brussels – A recent tweet by digital health expert Bart de Witte has drawn attention to growing concerns surrounding the European Union's ambitious digital transformation plans, particularly the proposed EU Digital Identity Wallet (EUDIW). De Witte, founder of the Hippo AI Foundation, critically remarked on social media, "> And here is the EU action plan: Agent Smith 2030 😉 https://t.co/qUm8oQffPM," implying a potential for pervasive digital control by the end of the decade.
Bart de Witte is a prominent voice advocating for open-source and ethical AI in healthcare, known for his critical stance on data governance and privacy within EU digital policies. His "Agent Smith" analogy, referencing the omnipresent antagonist from "The Matrix" film series, highlights fears that the EU's push for digital identity could inadvertently lead to increased surveillance or centralized data control if not implemented with robust safeguards. He has previously compared aspects of centralized digital identity systems to "dystopian scenarios."
The European Digital Identity Wallet is a cornerstone initiative under the updated eIDAS 2.0 regulation, designed to provide EU citizens and residents with a secure and convenient mobile-based method to prove their identity and share electronic documents. The stated aim is to empower individuals by giving them greater control over their personal data, allowing them to choose what information to share, with whom, and when.
However, the initiative has faced significant scrutiny from privacy advocates and official bodies. The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) and the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) have issued a joint opinion, supporting the wallet's goals but raising concerns about data minimization, purpose limitation, and the security of personal data. They cautioned against the potential for a centralized data infrastructure that could facilitate surveillance or profiling, emphasizing the need for strong safeguards to prevent such misuse.
The European Parliament has also pushed for robust privacy protections, including the principle of data minimization and the user's right to revoke consent at any time. Critics, including organizations like Privacy International, warn of "mission creep" and the risk of creating comprehensive digital profiles, stressing that the technical implementation must prioritize privacy-by-design to avoid undermining fundamental rights.
The EUDIW forms a key part of the broader EU Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030, which sets ambitious targets for Europe's digital transformation. These goals include universal access to gigabit connectivity, 80% of the population having basic digital skills, and 100% of key public services available online. While the program aims to foster innovation and digital sovereignty, the ongoing debate underscores the critical balance between digital advancement and the protection of individual privacy and fundamental rights by 2030.