E-Signature versus e-Identity: the creation of the digital citizen

E-Signature verse e-Identity highlights the specific problems public authorities are confronted with by their conversion to e-Government. By means of analogy between traditional and digital versions, the problems are addressed and possible solutions suggested. An e-address is not identical to an email address. This makes ir evident that a technical solution by itself is not sufficient for e-Government and that a holistic approach is necessary, including legal and administrative requirements. The tools and rules sufficient for e-commerce are suitable for the majority of administrative processes but not for all. E-Identity is a 1:1 relationship, e-Signature 1:n. Several e-Signatures are available for one person but only one e-Identity. E-Identity has as a by-product all features of an advanced electronic signature.