"There is no question of any security gaps in the new identity card", emphasises Antonius Sommer, General Manager of event organiser TÜV Informationstechnik (TÜViT). It will be possible for holders of the new identity card to make use of numerous services from home on a more secure basis. For example, tax returns can be filed over the Internet without the need to use any other media, and it will also be possible to register vehicles online - a process that has been very time-consuming up to now.

TÜViT is a specialist in IT security. This TÜV NORD subsidiary has played a major role in the inspection of the chips used in the new ID card, the associated software and the necessary reading devices. During the inspections, various different data recording processes were followed - from the point of registration up to manufacture of the card itself at specialist company Bundesdruckerei GmbH.  

"Only those who have the identity card and a reading device, and who enter a six-digit PIN, can use the online functions from their computer at home. And a large number of useful features are built in. All personal data is transferred in encoded form." says Sommer. "As a further safeguard, all internet service providers within the system must be able to present a certificate of entitlement issued by the state."  TÜV NORD is also counteracting statements in the media which claim that the identity card and reader are not secure.  

Around 200 municipal bodies, official authorities and other organisations have trialled the new identity card and its many uses over the last few months. Their experiences have virtually all been positive. Lars Terbeck, Project Manager at the council offices in Hagen, reports that considerable increases in efficiency are not only expected in general administration processes, such as the issue of official certificates. There are also many other opportunities - for example, in the administration of dog licences, which has been both costly and time-consuming up to now.

As Andreas Reisen from the Federal Ministry of the Interior says: "Our citizens can rely on the security of the new identity card. It represents an enormous gain in security in comparison to the online access security procedures based on passwords that are in common use today. If people use the new identity card, phishing is no longer a risk that can be considered relevant." He also drew attention to the fact that the system is future proof. "The technology employed in the card is already used in around 80 countries for electronic passports. Therefore cross-border internet applications – naturally without biometric features – can easily be used by everyone with the identity card."  
The biometric function is only intended for identity checks by the state authorities within the country itself and at borders: the digital photo will feature on all identity cards. Two fingerprints can also be stored on the chip on a voluntary basis. 

Also new is the fact that it will no longer be permitted for companies or official bodies to demand the ID card as a form of surety. This is also part of the arrangements to protect the electronic identity of citizens. 
It will be possible to apply for the new identity card in cheque card format as from 1 November 2010 in citizens' centres and at local council offices.