eduID: five questions and answers
Many institutions that want to work with eduID have the same questions. Therefore, we have compiled the most frequently asked questions about eduID and their answers in this article.
1. What is the difference between eduID and DigiD?
DigiD is a government facility that only allows you to access government services. This is regulated by law. The government controls DigiD. As an end user, for example, you have no influence on which data are linked to it. For education and research, a different digital identity has been developed, eduID, which gives its holder more control, for example when sharing data or not.
2. Why was eduID developed when ECK iD already existed?
Primary and secondary education and mbo use ECK iD. It is an administrative number to ensure privacy-friendly exchange of pupil data. But ECK iD is not made for logging in with; it cannot. It is only used behind the scenes and pupils do not know their ECK iD.
3. Is eduID a wallet?
A wallet is a digital wallet in which you can collect (personal) data, e.g. certificates and diplomas. eduID is not. eduID uses as little data as possible and is made for logging in at institutions. eduID could be an ID card in a wallet.
4. Is eduID also for researchers?
Yes, eduID is for everyone in education and research. In research collaborations, eduID is ideal as a login and authentication tool. The institution or research collaboration does not have to create (and manage) a guest account. This saves administration, money and therefore time.
5. With the advent of eduID, has our own Identity & Access Management (IAM) system become redundant?
No. Institutions remain responsible for handing out authorisations (who has access to what). Institutions must therefore continue to create rights in services, which means that the IAM system remains necessary.
