It may seem very hard to believe, but more than 30 years later, we are still collectively seeking a solution to this very same challenge. Not even Artificial Intelligence has helped. Even now, if you had a particularly clever dog, it could fake its identity on all major platforms and online services. Woof, woof.
There is plenty of evidence
There is plenty of evidence telling us that the issue of verifying online identities remains to be an unaddressed challenge. For instance, online fraud rose by 21% year-on-year from 2024 to 2025, according to Veriff’s 2025 Identity Fraud Report. Besides, by 2025, synthetic identity fraud - a technique that combines real and fabricated information, often using highly advanced AI tools - is also expected to rise, making up approximately 30% of all identity fraud cases.
Even high-profile politicians are well aware of this challenge. For example, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recently called for an end to anonymity on social media by requiring all user accounts to be linked to a European digital identity wallet containing a unique ID for each citizen. Essentially, he is advocating for an internet where each individual has only one verified identity - just as in the physical world.
So, all in all, as you can see, the challenge of verifying online identities remains to be a highly relevant, hot topic.
Singapore vs Denmark
Two countries that consistently rank among the world's leaders in digitalization are Singapore and Denmark. So, how are these nations addressing the identity problem? Are they taking the same approach? Spoiler alert: Not at all.
On one hand, Singapore offers SingPass, a national digital identity system that follows OpenID standards, making it highly interoperable with third-party services. Originally launched in 2003 as a simple authentication tool for government services, SingPass has since evolved into a comprehensive identity framework, integrating biometric authentication, mobile-based logins, and secure digital signatures. With its decentralized authentication model, SingPass enables seamless identity verification across both public and private sectors while maintaining strong security measures.
On the other hand, Denmark has MitID (formerly known as NemID), which was introduced in 2021 as a modernized version of its predecessor. Designed with enhanced security in mind, MitID leverages strong authentication mechanisms, including app-based verification and optional hardware tokens. It is widely used for online banking, government services, and private-sector logins, making it an essential tool for Danish citizens. However, MitID does not rely on OpenID standards, which limits its flexibility in integrating with international platforms. Additionally, concerns have been raised about its centralized control and the resulting lack of privacy for Danish citizens.
The power of decentralization
Ultimately, while both systems (SingPass and MitID) are highly secure and user-friendly, their underlying philosophies differ significantly. SingPass embraces some decentralization principles and global authentication standards, fostering broader private-sector adoption. In contrast, MitID remains tightly regulated within Denmark’s national digital infrastructure.
Why do I believe that embracing decentralization is a good thing? Well, for several reasons:
Privacy! Finally users can enjoy their privacy since decentralization enables very cool features such as selective disclosure and zero-knowledge proofs.
Interoperability. In a decentralized world, credentials and identities are designed for interoperability, removing unnecessary onboarding processes and/or Know Your Customer (KYC). It would be so much easier for users.
Security. One could argue that since now credentials live with me in my digital wallet, they are, of course, safer than before.
The truth is that SingPass isn’t a fully decentralized system. Nonetheless, Singapore appears more open to integrating decentralized principles (sometimes referred to as decentralized identities or self-sovereign identities), whereas Denmark maintains stricter state control over digital identity management.
An overall outlook into a decentralized identity architecture
eIDAS 2.0 is the opportunity
Yet, while Singapore’s model is a compelling example of modern digital identity management, Europe has a unique opportunity to reclaim its position in the global digital identity race. With eIDAS 2.0 on the horizon, the EU can redefine its approach by embracing decentralized and interoperable solutions that empower citizens with greater data control and security. Such a transformation wouldn’t just represent a European comeback - it could set a new global standard for digital identity.
Why is this solution better than competitors?
This solution is better than its competitors because it embraces decentralization principles and global standards, which offer significant advantages:
Decentralization Enhances Privacy: SingPass incorporates decentralized features such as selective disclosure and zero-knowledge proofs, allowing users to share only necessary information without exposing all their data. This is a major privacy boost compared to more centralized systems like MitID.
Interoperability with Global Platforms: SingPass follows OpenID standards, making it easier to integrate with a wide range of international services. This reduces friction for users when accessing services across different platforms, unlike MitID, which is more restricted within Denmark’s national infrastructure.
Improved Security: Decentralized identity management gives users more control by storing credentials in personal digital wallets, reducing the risk of centralized breaches and enhancing overall security.
Broader Private-Sector Adoption: By supporting decentralized authentication, SingPass is more attractive to private-sector services, creating a seamless experience for users across both public and private domains.
Implementing a modern digital identity solution
Implementing a modern digital identity solution requires a strategic blend of security, privacy, and interoperability. Key steps include adopting open standards for seamless integration across platforms, utilizing decentralized identity principles for enhanced user privacy and control, and integrating robust authentication methods such as biometrics. This framework not only strengthens digital security but also paves the way for future innovations in identity management.
