DigiDeHerkenning

DigiDeHerkenning is a term used in discussions to describe an interoperable or unified approach to digital identity in the Netherlands, aiming to bridge the DigiD and eHerkenning systems for access to both government and business services. It is not an officially established product or standard, but rather a concept that appears in conversations about simplifying authentication and improving cross-system trust.

DigiD is the national online identity used to log in to many Dutch government portals. It typically involves a user name and password, with optional multi-factor verification for higher security levels. eHerkenning is a private-sector authentication framework designed to give organizations secure access to services for themselves and their clients, including government services, often employing higher assurance levels and robust verification methods.

The idea behind DigiDeHerkenning is to enable cross-acceptance or integration of credentials between DigiD and eHerkenning, so a user or organization can authenticate across both ecosystems with consistent security and fewer separate logins. Such interoperability would rely on shared standards and infrastructure, such as PKIoverheid and alignment with eIDAS, along with governance for data minimization and privacy.

Current status remains that DigiD and eHerkenning operate as separate systems under different governance, with ongoing efforts in overarching Dutch identity infrastructure managed by entities like Logius and the PKIoverheid. DigiDeHerkenning serves as a descriptive concept for potential future integration rather than a formalized programme.

See also: DigiD, eHerkenning, PKIoverheid, Logius, eIDAS.