Secure electronic identification (eID) in the intersection of politics and technology

There is a growing demand for secure identification systems in online relations. Electronic identification (eID) is becoming a critical issue, both for e–government and for online relations in general. The development of eID is a combination of technical innovations such as system design and regulatory and policy considerations. This paper analyses the development of eID in Sweden, by considering it both as a technical and a political development process co–constructed through policymaking. However, the main conclusion is the lack of political awareness in this process. This is especially noticeable since the process leads to a formation of the embryo of a digital citizenship based on the need for safe and efficient identification within public administration.