identifikasjonsopplysninger

Identifikasjon, or identification, is the process of establishing the identity of a person, organization, or object. In legal, administrative, and security contexts, it involves presenting evidence or credentials to distinguish the claimant from others and to confirm they are who they claim to be. The concept applies to physical identification as well as digital identity.

Core elements of identifikasjon include identity proofing, authentication, and verification. Identity proofing occurs when evidence of identity is collected and assessed. Authentication is the process of proving that the claimed identity is genuine, typically at the point of access or service. Verification confirms that a claimed identity matches the asserted attributes or records.

Methods used to identify someone or something vary. They include something you know (passwords or PINs), something you have (physical ID cards, smart cards, security tokens), and something you are (biometrics such as fingerprints or facial recognition). Digital identification often combines these factors and may rely on electronic IDs, digital certificates, or identity providers that vouch for a user’s identity online.

Legal and privacy considerations surround identifikasjon. Frameworks such as the European eIDAS Regulation enable cross-border recognition of electronic IDs, while data protection laws like the GDPR govern how personal data is collected, stored, and processed. Privacy, data minimization, and security are essential to reduce risks such as identity theft and unauthorized access.

Applications and challenges vary by sector, including border control, banking, e-government, and healthcare. Common challenges include fraud, fake or stolen credentials, data breaches, and balancing robust verification with user convenience and privacy.