Ruutnumber

Ruutnumber is a term used in Estonian to describe a unique identification number assigned to every resident of Estonia. The system was introduced in 1998 as part of the country's digital identity initiative, aiming to create a secure and efficient way to identify individuals for various administrative and private purposes. The ruutnumber is a 11-digit number, with the first digit indicating the century of birth and the following digits representing the date of birth. The last digit is a control number, calculated using a specific algorithm to ensure the number's validity.

The ruutnumber is used for various purposes, including accessing public services, voting, and conducting financial transactions. It is also used by businesses and organizations to verify the identity of individuals. The ruutnumber system is managed by the Estonian Information System Authority, which ensures the security and privacy of the data.

The ruutnumber has been praised for its role in Estonia's digital transformation, enabling the country to become one of the most digitally advanced nations in the world. However, it has also faced criticism and concerns about privacy and data security. Despite these issues, the ruutnumber remains a fundamental part of Estonia's digital identity infrastructure.