itsme
nationalFull Name: itsme
Country: BE
Definition
itsme is Belgium's widely-used digital identity application, operated by the Belgian Mobile ID consortium -- a partnership between the country's major banks (BNP Paribas Fortis, KBC, Belfius, ING) and mobile network operators (Proximus, Orange, Telenet). Launched in 2017, it has grown to serve over 7 million active users for secure authentication and digital signing. Belgium's EUDI Wallet strategy integrates itsme as a core component, building on its established trust framework and user adoption.
Technical Architecture and Authentication Flow
itsme implements a sophisticated multi-factor authentication system that combines device binding, SIM card verification, and user-chosen authentication factors. When a user registers for itsme, their identity is verified against their Belgian eID card (or equivalent identity document), creating a strong link between the physical identity and the digital credential.
The authentication flow works as follows: when a user needs to authenticate with a service provider, the service redirects to the itsme platform. The user receives a push notification on their registered device and confirms the action using their PIN code, fingerprint, or face recognition. The cryptographic operations happen within the secure element of the device, ensuring that authentication keys never leave the hardware-protected environment.
itsme supports multiple identity operations beyond basic authentication: identity verification (sharing identity attributes), qualified electronic signatures (legally binding digital signatures under eIDAS), document signing, and mandate-based actions. This breadth of functionality makes it a strong foundation for EUDI Wallet capabilities.
The platform uses OpenID Connect as its authentication protocol, with extensions for identity attribute sharing. This protocol alignment makes the transition to EUDI Wallet standards like OpenID4VP and OpenID4VCI architecturally natural.
Integration with the EUDI Wallet Framework
Belgium has adopted a pragmatic approach to EUDI Wallet implementation by building on the proven itsme infrastructure rather than starting from scratch. The Belgian Federal Public Service (BOSA) coordinates the development of the MyGov.be EUDI Wallet, which integrates itsme for initial identity proofing and high-assurance authentication.
The integration means that Belgian citizens who already have an itsme account can onboard to the EUDI Wallet smoothly, without repeating the identity proofing process. The existing itsme identity verification, which meets eIDAS LoA High requirements, serves as the trust anchor for issuing EUDI credentials such as the Person Identification Data (PID) and other attestations.
This approach offers significant advantages: Belgium benefits from itsme's proven security track record, established user base, and existing service provider integrations. Over 900 Belgian public and private organizations already accept itsme, creating a natural transition path to EUDI Wallet acceptance as required by the mandatory acceptance provisions of eIDAS 2.0.
User Adoption and Market Position
itsme represents one of Europe's most successful digital identity solutions in terms of user adoption. With over 7 million active users in a country of approximately 11.5 million people, itsme has achieved remarkable market penetration. Users collectively perform millions of identity transactions monthly, spanning government services, banking, insurance, healthcare, and telecommunications.
The consortium model has been key to this success. By involving both banks and telecom operators, itsme benefits from trusted brand recognition and existing customer relationships. The collaborative approach also ensures broad device compatibility and SIM-based security features across all major Belgian mobile operators.
itsme has also expanded to Luxembourg and explored partnerships in other European markets. The EUDI Wallet regulation creates new opportunities for cross-border use of itsme-based credentials, as the mutual recognition provisions mean that Belgian identity credentials issued through the itsme-integrated wallet will be accepted throughout the EU by December 2026 for government services and December 2027 for regulated private sector services.
Lessons for Other Member States
The itsme model offers valuable lessons for other EU Member States developing their EUDI Wallets. The public-private partnership approach demonstrates how collaboration between government, banking, and telecommunications sectors can accelerate digital identity adoption. Countries like the Netherlands (with their NL-wallet), France (France Identite), and Germany (AusweisApp) are developing their own approaches, but the itsme experience shows the value of building on existing trusted infrastructure.
Key success factors from the itsme model include strong initial identity proofing based on the national eID card, user-friendly mobile experience with biometric authentication, broad service provider adoption across public and private sectors, and a sustainable business model through the consortium structure. These elements are directly applicable to EUDI Wallet deployments across the EU.