SIDN returns Yivi to the Privacy by Design Foundation
The eID solution is ready for the next phase
Over the last few years, SIDN has invested significantly in driving development of the Yivi eID solution. Considerable resources have also been devoted to pilot schemes in various economic sectors, demonstrating the viability of an open-source solution featuring privacy by design, and its benefits for users and organisations. As a result, Yivi is now ready for the next phase in its evolution, with the Privacy by Design Foundation taking the reins once more and SIDN ending its investment. The two organisations will be working together to assure Yivi's continuity for current and future users. Control of Yivi will be transferred from SIDN to Privacy by Design gradually and responsibly over the period running up to 31 March 2024.
Yivi is now the most widely adopted privacy-friendly eID solution
"Originally a Privacy by Design concept known as IRMA, Yivi is now a mature solution, thanks to SIDN's input," says Bart Jacobs of Privacy by Design. "Today, Yivi has well over 100,000 users,making it the most widely adopted privacy-friendly eID solution operating on the principle of self-sovereign identity in the Netherlands and beyond. Privacy by Design is grateful to SIDN for its substantial commitment over the past years, which has provided a foundation for new eID applications with new partners."
Access facilitated and principles adopted
During its years at the helm, SIDN has made Yivi's infrastructure accessible and brought it into line with modern internet standards. Pilot schemes have been organised and user cases developed in collaboration with various local authorities and organisations in sectors such as health care, education, financial services and insurance, leading to recruitment of the first paying customers. Yivi has also secured multiple prizes and awards. Earlier this year, the solution previously known as IRMA was rebranded Yivi, and a comprehensively redesigned app was launched, generating further growth in the user population. Meanwhile, the Dutch and European governments have both recognised Yivi's value and adopted its underlying principles in consultation with SIDN.
Yivi's transfer will assure continuity
SIDN CEO Roelof Meijer: "We've achieved a great deal with Yivi. However, market adoption hasn't been as rapid as we hoped. The ongoing uncertainty regarding the criteria that eID solutions will be required to meet under the new Digital Government Act has been particularly problematic, because organisations have been reluctant to commit to Yivi until the regulatory context is clarified. The next phase will require additional investment, exceeding what we are willing and able to provide. Over the last six months, therefore, we've been working to identify partners ready to invest and work with SIDN to grow Yivi. Unfortunately, we've been unable to secure the necessary level of support. The decision has therefore been taken to hand the reins back to Privacy by Design, so that Yivi is in safe hands and its continuity is assured."
Contributing to secure log-in solutions and electronic identities
SIDN took on Yivi's technical management, previously handled by Privacy by Design, in 2018. A year later, SIDN also committed to driving Yivi's further development, primarily with a view to promoting adoption. SIDN's involvement with Yivi was an expression of its social responsibility to keep the .nl domain secure, and to contribute to the future of the internet. Through Yivi, SIDN was seeking to promote secure log-in solutions and electronic identities that allow users to retain full control of their data and share no more information than strictly necessary. Yivi was a seamless match with SIDN's vision.
