Data Sovereignty and Digital Identity in the EU: A Slovakian Perspective
Amcham Opening: Business Breakfast on Sovereign Clouds and Digital ID
Introduction
Thank you for having me here today. I am the Managing Director of Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions Slovakia. Some of you may know us under our former name “T-Systems,” but we have long been more than just T-Systems, as we deliver services for the entire Deutsche Telekom Group.
We are headquartered in Kosice, but we also have an office in Bratislava and apply a hybrid working model across Slovakia. Recently, the press informed us that we are now the biggest ICT company in Slovakia. While we are not sure if this is entirely a good thing, it certainly brings us more media attention and shows that we have done some things right over the last few years.
Why is Data Sovereignty Important?
We provide services for the Deutsche Telekom Group, including Telekom Deutschland, and offer Classified ICT Infrastructure, Sovereign Clouds, and Services for Public and Healthcare – it doesn’t get more European than that!
Yes, we are a global player with delivery centers in India, Mexico, and Brazil. However, over 50% of our services must be delivered from a European location for various reasons, including customer preference, time zones, language, legal requirements, and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) compliance. We are European at our core!
Data Sovereignty: What’s Important for the EU and Slovakia?
The European Union (EU) has been increasingly focused on data sovereignty, emphasizing retaining control over data generated within its borders. This focus is a reaction to the Patriot Act.
Key EU Regulations and Initiatives:
1. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Implemented in May 2018, the GDPR is a cornerstone of EU data protection legislation. It aims to protect personal data and ensure privacy for EU citizens. Key provisions include:
- Stronger rights for individuals over their personal data
- Obligations for businesses to ensure data protection
- Significant penalties for non-compliance
2. Data Governance Act (DGA)
Proposed in November 2020, the DGA facilitates data sharing across the EU while maintaining high privacy and security standards. It introduces:
- Frameworks for data intermediation services
- Establishment of data altruism organizations
- Mechanisms for sharing data for public good purposes
3. European Data Strategy
Launched in February 2020, the European Data Strategy aims to create a single market for data, ensuring Europe’s global competitiveness. It involves:
- Establishing common European data spaces in strategic sectors
- Promoting cross-border data flows within the EU
- Enhancing data interoperability and quality
EU’s Commitment to Digital Identity
1. eIDAS Regulation (Electronic Identification, Authentication, and Trust Services)
Effective since July 2016, the eIDAS Regulation is foundational for digital identity in the EU. It provides:
- A legal framework for electronic identification (eID) and trust services
- Mutual recognition and acceptance of eIDs across member states
- Security standards for electronic signatures, seals, timestamps, and delivery services
2. European Digital Identity Wallet
Proposed in June 2021 as part of the eIDAS Regulation revision, the European Digital Identity Wallet aims to:
- Offer a secure and user-friendly digital wallet for EU citizens
- Enable storage and sharing of digital documents, including eIDs, driving licenses, and medical records
- Ensure control over personal data with high security and privacy standards
Connecting the Dots: Slovakia’s Digital Future
The European Commission evaluates countries’ success in the digital economy and society through the DESI index. In the July 2022 edition, Slovakia ranked 23rd out of 27 countries, falling below the EU average in most indicators. The “Policy Agenda for the Digital Decade” is being discussed by the European Parliament and the Council.
Consequently, Slovakia’s Digital Transformation Action Plan 2023–2026 outlines the state’s digitalization goals:
- Connectivity
- Mobile identity/digital identity
- Building digital skills: the Government will support investments to increase the number of new IT specialists substantially
- Digital transformation and digital innovation