PwC Italy and SKChain to Launch Self-Sovereign EU Digital ID

PwC Italy, in partnership with blockchain consultancy SKChain Advisors, is developing a new digital identity solution for the European Union using blockchain technology. This product, built on the World Mobile Chain, a Layer 3 network on Coinbase’s Base, aims to create a secure, self-sovereign identity framework that gives users complete control over their personal data without relying on centralized authorities.

The initiative is in alignment with the European Digital Identity Wallet introduced under the eIDAS 2.0 regulation, which aims to standardize digital identity across the EU. According to a press release shared with crypto.news, PwC Italy and SKChain Advisors have already completed a feasibility study to determine the best self-sovereign identity (SSI) framework and are now moving forward with development.

The new digital identity solution is set to act as a gateway, enabling users to access both traditional and Web3 platforms, facilitating greater ease of use and integration within the digital economy.

SSI technology is gaining significant attention for its ability to improve data privacy and security while complying with key regulations like the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets framework. The new digital identity product will support authentication, verification, and interactions with digital asset services, which is expected to help both enterprises and consumers navigate the increasingly digital economy while ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory standards.

Rob Viglione, CEO of Horizen Labs, commented on the significance of blockchain technology being integrated into the EU’s digital identity scheme, stating: “There has been talk for a long time about whether the EU’s digital identity scheme would use blockchain. The fact this has been confirmed is a positive step forward. The fact it’s using self-sovereign identity technology is also a positive step.”

World Mobile Chain, the blockchain infrastructure supporting this project, is designed to facilitate the adoption of blockchain technology by European businesses. As a Layer 3 protocol on Base, it offers the scalability and efficiency needed for decentralized applications (dApps). This makes it an ideal platform for building a decentralized digital identity system.

One of the key features of this self-sovereign identity solution is its focus on privacy. Viglione emphasized that any digital identity scheme must incorporate privacy and security guarantees. He highlighted the importance of zero-knowledge proof technology, which allows data to remain “usable but invisible” — an essential component for protecting user privacy in the digital identity space.

This digital ID solution promises to streamline digital access across various sectors while empowering users with greater control over their online identities. It marks a significant step forward in the EU’s push for digital identity standards and shows the growing potential of blockchain in enhancing data security and privacy in today’s digital age.