Table of contents
- What is digital identity and what does digital identity mean
- Digital identity in the public system: SPID, CIE, and CNS
- How the authentication system works
- Benefits of digital identity
- Digital identity in the private sector
- Risks and critical issues: beware of identity theft
- The role of the Agency for Digital Italy (AgID)
What is digital identity and what does digital identity mean
The term digital identity refers to the digital representation of a natural person, based on a structured set of personal data that uniquely identifies an individual within an IT system. In simple terms, it is the online equivalent of an ID document, but with broader functions fully integrated into the world of digital services.
When we ask ourselves what digital identity is, it’s important to understand that it is not merely an access credential, but a system that allows secure access to a wide range of online services, provided by both public and private entities.
This identity consists of information such as first name, last name, date of birth, tax code, and often email addresses or phone numbers. Unlike a simple username and password, a certified digital identity enables reliable verification of the person accessing a given service.
Digital identity in the public system: SPID, CIE, and CNS
In Italy, the public digital identity system is mainly based on three tools: SPID, CIE, and CNS.
- SPID (Public System for Digital Identity) is a set of unique credentials provided by entities accredited by the Agency for Digital Italy (AgID). It allows citizens and businesses to access online services of the public administration (and many partnered private entities) securely and uniformly. SPID has three security levels and, depending on the provider, can also be used to sign digital documents.
- CIE (Electronic Identity Card) is the electronic version of the ID card issued by local municipalities. It can be used to access public services through strong authentication, thanks to its integrated chip.
- CNS (National Service Card) is a smart card or USB token containing a personal digital certificate. It enables identification of the holder online and the use of a digital signature. Like the others, it grants access to digital services offered by public bodies.
These three forms of digital identity can coexist, each suited to specific use cases.
How the authentication system works
The authentication system relies on verifying the user’s identity using credentials such as a username and password, PIN, OTP (one-time password), biometric recognition, or physical devices.
For example, to access an INPS portal using a second-level SPID credential, the user enters a username and password and then authorizes access via app or SMS. This way, the IT system verifies the individual’s identity before granting access to personal and sensitive information.
The strength of this system lies in its security: it ensures that only the rightful owner can access the services and reduces the risk of identity theft through multi-factor authentication and constant monitoring.
Benefits of digital identity
Adopting a certified digital identity brings many advantages for citizens, businesses, and public bodies:
- Process simplification
No need to visit physical offices. Tasks like school enrollment, certificate requests, or tax payments can be completed entirely online. - Time saving
Actions that once took days can now be completed in minutes. - Greater security
Strong authentication protects users and their data from unauthorized access. - Traceability and transparency
Every operation can be tracked and logged, ensuring accountability.
All these benefits make digital identity a key tool for the digital transformation of the country.
Digital identity in the private sector
In addition to the public administration, digital identity is increasingly used in the private sector. Banks, insurance companies, utility providers, and digital service platforms use SPID or other tools to authenticate users. It is now common, for instance, to open a bank account or activate a phone plan entirely online using your digital identity.
The integration between public and private in managing digital identities creates a secure and seamless user experience, while complying with strict personal data protection regulations.
Risks and critical issues: beware of identity theft
While digital identity is a powerful tool, it must be carefully protected. The most serious risk is identity theft, where someone fraudulently uses personal information to access services or perform actions in someone else’s name. To mitigate this risk:
- Use secure, updated devices
- Never share your credentials
- Enable alerts for suspicious logins
- Use digital signatures only on trusted devices
Identity breaches can have severe consequences, especially when they involve financial, health, or public administration services.
The role of the Agency for Digital Italy (AgID)
The Agency for Digital Italy (AgID) plays a central role in managing and regulating the public system of digital identity. Its responsibilities include:
- Accrediting identity providers (SPID issuers)
- Defining security standards and requirements
- Promoting the use of digital identity in both public and private services
- Coordinating integration with other tools (such as digital signatures, CIE, CNS)
Thanks to AgID’s work, Italy has built a reliable, scalable ecosystem that complies with European directives on electronic identity and data protection.
