OOTS: Securing Data Exchange in EU Digital ID Wallets

Published Date : 7/11/2025 

Discover how the Once-Only Technical System (OOTS) is revolutionizing secure data exchange for the EU Digital Identity Wallet, streamlining cross-border transactions and enhancing user experiences through innovative collaboration between Austria and EU officials. 

The European Union’s Digital Identity Wallet initiative has been gaining momentum as a transformative solution for secure data exchange between individuals, businesses, and member states. At the heart of this effort is the Once-Only Technical System (OOTS), a framework designed to simplify administrative processes and reduce the need for redundant data sharing. By leveraging OOTS infrastructure, the EU Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet aims to create a seamless, user-friendly system that prioritizes privacy and efficiency. This collaboration between Austria and the EU highlights the potential of OOTS to accelerate the adoption of digital identity solutions across the bloc. n nThe OOTS project, which went live in December 2023, has already demonstrated its value in streamlining cross-border interactions between EU countries. It acts as a foundational layer for secure data exchange, allowing authorities to access verified information without requiring citizens to repeatedly submit the same documents. This innovation aligns closely with the goals of the EUDI Wallet, which seeks to empower users by giving them control over their digital identities while ensuring compliance with strict data protection regulations. Austrian officials, including Herbert Leitold and Felix Plank, have been vocal advocates for integrating OOTS into the EUDI Wallet framework, emphasizing its role in reducing costs and improving user experience. n nDuring the sixth OOTS Projectathon in Brussels, Austria’s delegation highlighted the importance of synergies between OOTS and the EUDI Wallet. Leitold, director of the Austrian Secure Information Technology Center, and Plank, a program manager at the Federal Chancellery, discussed how OOTS could serve as a backbone for the EUDI Wallet’s data-sharing capabilities. Their insights, shared in a video from the event, underscored the potential of OOTS to address key challenges in digital identity management. By building on existing infrastructure, the EUDI Wallet could avoid the pitfalls of starting from scratch, ensuring a more robust and scalable solution. n nOne of the most promising features of OOTS is its 'preview space,' which allows users to view and select relevant credentials during a transaction. This functionality could significantly enhance the EUDI Wallet’s usability, as users often need to access documents they haven’t anticipated sharing. For example, a citizen might discover they need to provide a diploma during a service application but haven’t stored it in their wallet. The preview space would enable them to quickly access and save the credential, streamlining the process. Leitold described this as a 'perfect sense for the citizen,' highlighting how OOTS can bridge the gap between user needs and system capabilities. n nAustria’s proposal for an 'eDelivery network' as a data-agnostic transport layer has also sparked interest among EU stakeholders. This network would act as a secure, standardized method for sharing authoritative data, governed by a trust framework to ensure reliability. By integrating this approach into the EUDI Wallet, the EU could create a more interoperable system that respects national regulations while enabling seamless cross-border interactions. The Netherlands has reportedly echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the idea is gaining traction across the bloc. n nThe EUDI Wallet’s development is progressing rapidly, with a new batch of implementing acts released for feedback in June 2025. These acts outline the technical and regulatory requirements for the wallet, providing a roadmap for member states to follow. The inclusion of OOTS in this framework could accelerate adoption, as it offers a proven model for secure data exchange. However, challenges remain, including ensuring compatibility with national systems and addressing user concerns about data privacy. Officials are working to strike a balance between innovation and security, emphasizing transparency and user control throughout the process. n nThe collaboration between OOTS and the EUDI Wallet represents a significant step forward in the EU’s digital transformation. By combining existing infrastructure with cutting-edge technology, the EU is positioning itself as a leader in secure digital identity solutions. This partnership not only benefits citizens and businesses but also sets a precedent for other regions seeking to modernize their administrative systems. As the EUDI Wallet moves closer to implementation, the role of OOTS in shaping its success cannot be overstated. n nIn the coming months, the OOTS & EUDI Wallet Synergies and Interoperability Contact Group plans to conduct further pilots and demonstrations to explore additional opportunities for collaboration. These efforts will focus on refining the integration of OOTS features into the EUDI Wallet, ensuring that the final product meets the needs of all stakeholders. The group’s work will also address technical and regulatory hurdles, paving the way for a more unified digital identity ecosystem across the EU. n nThe potential impact of this initiative extends beyond the EU, offering a blueprint for other regions facing similar challenges in data exchange and digital governance. By leveraging OOTS, the EU is demonstrating how innovation can be built on existing foundations, avoiding the costs and delays associated with reinventing the wheel. This approach not only benefits the EU but also contributes to a more connected and efficient global digital landscape. n nAs the EUDI Wallet continues to evolve, the integration of OOTS will play a crucial role in its success. The collaboration between Austria and the EU highlights the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing complex digital challenges. By prioritizing user needs, security, and interoperability, the EUDI Wallet has the potential to become a cornerstone of the EU’s digital strategy, transforming how citizens interact with public and private services across the bloc. 

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 secure, cross-border data exchange between EU member states. It reduces the need for redundant data sharing, allowing authorities to access verified information efficiently.

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

A: OOTS provides a proven infrastructure for secure data exchange, which the EUDI Wallet can leverage to enhance user experience. Features like the 'preview space' help users access and store credentials during transactions, improving efficiency and reducing friction.

Q: What is the 'preview space' in OOTS?

A: The 'preview space' allows users to view and select relevant credentials during a transaction. This feature helps users access documents they may not have anticipated sharing, such as a diploma, and save them for future use in their digital wallet.

Q: What are implementing acts for the EUDI Wallet?

A: Implementing acts are technical and regulatory guidelines that outline the requirements for the EUDI Wallet. They provide a roadmap for member states to follow, ensuring consistency and compliance with EU standards.

Q: How does the eDelivery network work?

A: The eDelivery network is a proposed data-agnostic transport layer for sharing authoritative data. It would act as a secure, standardized method for cross-border interactions, governed by a trust framework to ensure reliability and compliance with data protection regulations. 

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