ESRA News
Bridging the Transatlantic Divide: EU-US Digital Identity Mapping Exercise
In the ever-evolving digital identity landscape, collaboration and alignment between major economic blocs are crucial for fostering international trust and interoperability. A significant step in this direction has been taken by the Digital Identity Subgroup of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) Working Group 1: Technology Standards (WG1). This blog post delves into the preliminary results of the transatlantic mapping exercise 2023, shedding light on the commonalities and distinctions between the European Union’s (EU) and the United States’ (US) approaches to digital identity.
Mapping Objectives:
The mapping exercise, initiated during a government-to-public workshop event in Brussels, aimed to identify synergies between the EU and US frameworks for digital identity. Led by the European Commission (EC) and a US federal interagency group, the exercise encompassed a taxonomical approach to concepts, a mapping of assurance levels, and a compilation of international standards referenced in authoritative documents.
Common Ground and Distinctions:
The report emphasizes the absence of significant concepts without a corresponding counterpart in the companion framework, underlining the fundamental alignment between the EU and US approaches. Noteworthy is the minor divergence in the usage of terms, which poses no substantial barrier to comprehension.
One of the critical distinctions surfaces in the treatment of trust services, a facet explicitly addressed in the EU’s Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 but not expressly detailed in the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) SP 800-63.
Assurance Levels:
Both frameworks employ a three-tiered approach to assurance levels, signifying increasing confidence in identification means. However, nuances emerge as the NIST guidelines dissect the three levels into identity, authentication, and federation assurance. At the same time, the EU regulation opts for a comprehensive approach under the umbrella of “levels of assurance.”
Future Prospects:
The success of the initial mapping process sets the stage for the subsequent phases. WG1 Digital Identity Subgroup representatives plan to solicit feedback on open questions and select potential use cases, further enhancing EU-US collaboration in the cross-border use of digital identities.
The second phase of mapping, envisaged upon the finalization of NIST SP 800-63, Revision 4, and the adoption of the Proposal for a Regulation amending Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, will be a collaborative effort involving subject matter experts, organizations, and stakeholders.
Looking Ahead:
On February 22, 2024, the EU-US TTC WG-1 (Working Group 1) will host a webinar focused on unraveling the outcomes of the Digital Identity Mapping Exercise.
On February 29, 2024, stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the DRAFT EU-US TTC WG-1 Digital Identity Mapping Exercise Report. The deadline for submitting feedback is February 29, 2024. This collaborative engagement underscores the commitment to fostering international cooperation and development in the evolving landscape of digital identity.
Conclusion:
The EU-US Digital Identity Mapping Exercise signifies a significant stride towards harmonizing international approaches to digital identity. As the collaboration deepens, the potential for cross-border use of digital identities becomes more promising, fostering a future where global digital interactions are secure, seamless, and interoperable.
More information can be found on the NIST Website.
Navigating the Year Ahead: Unraveling the Political and Policy Tapestry of 2024
As the calendar turns to 2024, the political and policy horizons beckon with promise and uncertainty. This blog post navigates the emerging trends, anticipated shifts, and prospects that could shape the political narrative in the coming year. We will explore the current policy debates and the unfolding tapestry of political dynamics in 2024.
Landscape Overview
With many COVID-era relief programs ending, we could see the beginnings of a “new normal” heading into 2024. As it is a presidential election year, policy often finds itself relegated to the back seat during the whirlwind. As political candidates vie for votes, the spotlight tends to focus more on strategic messaging and political posturing than nuanced policy discussions. This means many policy issues before Congress will likely be left unresolved until the 2025 session begins.
With Congress trapped in a gridlock of competing interests and partisan divides, the stage is set again for states to enter the void, crafting and implementing domestic policy. The decentralization of policy-making empowers states to tailor solutions to their specific needs, fostering a diverse tapestry of approaches and legislation.
Emerging Technology Policy in the Year Ahead
The policy outlook for emerging technology in 2024 is poised at the frontier of innovation and regulation. As breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology redefine the technological landscape, policymakers face the intricate task of crafting frameworks that foster progress while addressing ethical, security, and privacy concerns. The year unfolds with a heightened awareness of the transformative potential of emerging technologies, prompting governments to revisit and refine policies that govern their development and deployment. Striking a delicate balance between encouraging innovation and safeguarding societal well-being becomes paramount, setting the stage for a dynamic interplay between technology pioneers and policymakers as they collectively navigate the uncharted territories of the digital future.
We expect Congress to continue to revisit currently debated issues. It will continue to inch towards a federal data privacy and protection law. Artificial intelligence (AI) regulation will continue to be a big topic in the coming year. Many believe that Congress needs to pass privacy legislation that aligns with any AI regulation.
While continuing to weigh return-to-work policies, inflation, and budget issues, state and local governments are expected to discuss tech workforce, AI, and data protection issues. With additional states passing 2023 data privacy legislation, nearly 40 percent of US citizens will be covered by one of the state-driven privacy laws. We could hear an intensified voice on AI about states implementing policies around the technology’s responsible use.
ESRA 2024 Policy Priorities and WatchList
As we navigate the digitized terrain of modern transactions, the Electronic Signature and Records Association (ESRA) stands at the forefront, spearheading policy initiatives that will shape the electronic landscape in 2024. ESRA’s policy priorities are committed to fostering innovation, security, and legal efficacy within eSignatures and eRecords in an era where the pen has increasingly been replaced by the pixel.
In 2024, ESRA will:
- Advance, comprehend, defend, and promote the role of eSignatures and related technologies within cutting-edge and emerging technological landscapes through sound and responsible public policy.
- Drive progress in eSignatures within digital identity frameworks.
- Enhance government records and documentation by implementing electronic signatures.
- Advance the widespread recognition of electronic wills.
- Complete establishment of national acceptance for remote online notarization (RON).
- Standardize acceptance of eSignatures across automotive documents.
At the federal level, ESRA will continue to advocate for updates to the eSignatures law through S. 3715, the E-SIGN Modernization Act of 2022, and be active in the SECURE Notarization Act of 2023 (HR 1059) discussion. At the state level, pushing for e-Title with a model bill, RON with six remaining states, and e-Wills legislation and regulations.
Watch for information from ESRA as Congress returns the week of January 8th and state legislatures kick into high gear.
2023 Membership Report Out Now
We are thrilled to share with you the ESRA 2023 Membership Report, offering a comprehensive look into the collective achievements and milestones we’ve reached throughout the year. Delve into the report to gain insights, updates, and highlights from various aspects of our organization.
- A Message from ESRA Chair Danielle Johnson-Kutch (Page 3): Immerse yourself in valuable insights from our esteemed Chair as she reflects on the accomplishments of the past year and shares her vision for the future.
- Public Policy Committee 2023 Overview (Page 4): Discover the impactful initiatives led by our Public Policy Committee, contributing to our advocacy efforts and advancing the interests of our membership.
- ESRA 2023 Events (Page 9): Relive the excitement of our events throughout the year, from engaging conferences to informative workshops, all designed to foster connection and professional development.
- Looking Ahead: 2024 Vision and Priorities (Page 11): Join us in shaping the future as we outline our vision and key priorities for 2024. Your involvement will be instrumental in driving our success.
- A Call to Action from Executive Director Jim Thompson (Page 14): Explore our strategic initiatives and discover how you can actively contribute to the continued growth and impact of ESRA.
As we celebrate our accomplishments, we also look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Your participation and dedication make ESRA the vibrant community it is, and we invite you to engage, share your insights, and actively contribute to the exciting journey ahead.