On 26 November 2009 the new version of MinID was launched as the first electronic ID, making use of the ID-port -the new, common platform for eID in the public sector- aiming to reduce the risk of ID theft and to progressively offer more advanced public services.

The upgraded version of MinID and the launch of ID-gate is a milestone in the government eID venture, stated Ms. Rigmor Aasrud, the Minister of Reform and added that with ID-port Norway reached the important next step in establishing a common platform for the use of eID in the public sector. ID port will facilitate the use of several types of eID and offer more advanced electronic public services, as it constitutes a common platform for the use of eID in the public sector. It will also give the opportunity to various entities to provide more person-sensitive services, related to health information.

On this opportunity, a number of new services have been improved, such as simplified procedures in case of loss of passwords and order of PINs. MinID has become more secure by enabling users to receive a PIN-code letter at the place of residence as stated in the National Population Register as well as SMS alerts, when changes in the user profile are performed. This will make it easier to detect attempts of ID theft, noted Mr. Hans Christian Holte, the Director of DIFI.

Background

MinID -a personalised log-in system for accessing online public services from the Norwegian public sector- is used today to access more than 600 state and municipality services. Within one year, the number of users doubled to 1.5 million, and its use has increased by 800%. Today, MinID can be used -among others- to deliver tax returns, check on the status of a loan in the Loan Fund, seek information on secondary education, redirect mail, and perform a variety of tasks with the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Organisation (Nav) as well as with several municipalities.

Further information:

• Official Press Release - Agency for Public Management and eGovernment (Difi) - Website (in Norwegian)
• MinID Website (in Norwegian)
• Related ePractice News Article - NO: Moving towards safer online public services