A European Union research paper into the future of online digital platforms has suggested that the use of government identity schemes in user authentication could boost the region's digital services economy.In the paper "Online Platforms and the Digital Single Market Opportunities and Challenges", the EU notes that European firms face challenges from American digital firms due to a lack of regulation in the market.This lack of regulation is apparent in trends such as fake reviews, noted the EU."Online ratings and reviews of goods and services are helpful and empowering to consumers, but they need to be trustworthy and free from any bias or manipulation. A prominent example is fake reviews, where loss of trust can undermine the business model of the platform itself, but also lead to a wider loss of trust, as expressed in many responses to the public consultation"It goes on to note that the EU could boost user security by exploring the theoretical possibilities of forcing online review platforms and EU citizens into using government IDs as online identities."In order to keep identification simple and secure, consumers should be able to choose the credentials by which they want to identify or authenticate themselves. In particular, online platforms should accept credentials issued or recognised by national public authorities, such as electronic or mobile IDs, national identity cards, or bank cards."However, right-wing media including Breitbart News Network has seized on the notion, calling it a "raid on personal freedoms".
EU draws ire for exploring ID cards for internet logins
