OOTS Revamps EU Digital ID Wallets for Secure Data Exchange

Published Date : 7/11/2025 

The EU's Digital Identity Wallet initiative is gaining momentum by leveraging the Once-Only Technical System (OOTS) to streamline secure data exchanges. Austrian officials highlight how OOTS can enhance interoperability and user experience, with features like the preview space and eDelivery network shaping the future of digital identity solutions. 

The European Union’s Digital Identity Wallet project is poised to transform how individuals and businesses interact across member states. By building on existing infrastructure, the initiative aims to simplify administrative processes and reduce friction in cross-border transactions. A key player in this effort is the Once-Only Technical System (OOTS), a framework already in use for national-level data exchanges. This system, developed to minimize redundant data requests, is now being explored as a foundation for the EU’s broader Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet) initiative. n nAustria’s involvement in this collaboration has been pivotal. At the sixth OOTS Projectathon in Brussels, officials from the Austrian delegation, including Herbert Leitold of the Austrian Secure Information Technology Center and Felix Plank from the Federal Chancellery, emphasized the potential of OOTS to accelerate the EUDI Wallet’s development. Their work focuses on identifying synergies between the two systems, with the goal of creating a seamless, user-friendly digital identity ecosystem. n nThe OOTS infrastructure, launched in December 2023, is designed to streamline administrative tasks and improve cross-border interactions. By enabling authorities to access verified data without requiring citizens to repeatedly submit the same information, OOTS reduces costs and speeds up processes. Leitold highlighted that integrating OOTS into the EUDI Wallet could provide a critical shortcut for secure data exchange, particularly for users who need to share credentials on the fly. n nOne of the standout features of OOTS is its preview space, which allows users to see and save relevant data before sharing it. This contrasts with the EUDI Wallet’s current model, where users must anticipate the credentials they need and store them in advance. Leitold explained that the preview space could bridge this gap, enabling users to discover and store credentials dynamically during transactions. For example, a citizen might see a diploma or license in the preview space and choose to save it for future use, improving the overall user experience. n nAustria has also proposed an eDelivery network as a data-agnostic transport layer for authoritative data sharing. This system, governed by a trust framework, would ensure secure and standardized communication between authorities and users. The Dutch delegation has reportedly echoed similar ideas, suggesting that interoperability between OOTS and EUDI Wallets is a growing priority across the EU. n nThe collaboration between OOTS and EUDI Wallets is still in its early stages, but pilot projects and demonstrations are already underway. These efforts aim to identify additional synergies, such as how OOTS’s on-demand data delivery could complement the EUDI Wallet’s user-centric approach. As the EU continues to refine its digital identity framework, the integration of OOTS is seen as a strategic move to enhance security, efficiency, and user adoption. n nRecent developments include the release of new implementing acts for the EUDI Wallet, which were open for public feedback at the end of June 2025. These updates reflect the EU’s commitment to refining the wallet’s functionality while addressing concerns about privacy, security, and accessibility. With OOTS providing a proven infrastructure, the EUDI Wallet is well-positioned to become a cornerstone of digital governance in the region. n nThe success of this initiative hinges on continued collaboration between member states, technology providers, and regulatory bodies. By leveraging existing systems like OOTS, the EU can avoid reinventing the wheel and focus on creating a unified digital identity solution that benefits citizens and businesses alike. As the project evolves, it will be crucial to balance innovation with user needs, ensuring that the EUDI Wallet remains both secure and intuitive. n nIn the broader context, the integration of OOTS and EUDI Wallets underscores the importance of interoperability in digital governance. As more countries adopt similar frameworks, the potential for cross-border data sharing and streamlined services will only grow. This partnership not only addresses current challenges but also sets a precedent for future digital initiatives across the EU. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the Once-Only Technical System (OOTS)?

A: OOTS is a framework designed to streamline administrative processes by enabling authorities to access verified data without requiring citizens to repeatedly submit the same information. It reduces redundancy and costs while improving efficiency.

Q: How does OOTS benefit the EU Digital Identity Wallet?

A: OOTS provides a proven infrastructure for secure data exchange, which can accelerate the EUDI Wallet’s development. Features like the preview space allow users to dynamically access and save credentials, enhancing usability.

Q: What is the preview space feature in OOTS?

A: The preview space lets users view and save relevant data during transactions. For example, a citizen might see a document in the preview space and choose to store it in their wallet for future use, improving the user experience.

Q: Why is the eDelivery network important for digital identity?

A: The eDelivery network acts as a secure, data-agnostic transport layer for sharing authoritative data. It ensures standardized, trustworthy communication between authorities and users, supporting interoperability across systems.

Q: What are the latest updates on the EUDI Wallet?

A: New implementing acts for the EUDI Wallet were released in June 2025 for public feedback. These updates aim to refine the wallet’s functionality, focusing on security, privacy, and user accessibility. 

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