Digital identity: between citizenship, competence and awareness in a networked society

Digital identity: between citizenship, competence and awareness in a networked society

  • Duarte Dionísio Duarte Dionísio
  • 22 de april de 2025
  • 23 minutes

In today’s digital landscape, digital identity represents much more than just an online profile: it is the set of skills, data, behaviours and credentials that enable every citizen to operate, interact and protect themselves independently and securely in the online environment. It functions as a ‘digital driving licence’. Just as a physical driving licence authorises the driving of a vehicle, this metaphor symbolises mastery of essential technological skills. These range from the safe use of digital platforms to the proper management of personal data, including our digital footprint.

Contemporary society is witnessing the increasing integration of digital technologies into virtually every aspect of daily life. From communication and entertainment to work and civic engagement, the world is becoming increasingly reliant on digital tools and platforms. Against this backdrop of rapid digital transformation, there is a fundamental need for reliable digital representations of individuals and organisations. Digital identity thus takes on a central role, not merely as a convenience, but as an essential requirement for full participation in this new reality. The proliferation of online services and increasing interaction in the virtual environment call for a form of identification that mirrors the validity of physical documents in the physical world, enabling us to prove who we are in cyberspace.

The importance of digital identity in today’s world is undeniable. It facilitates access to a wide range of online services, both public and private, streamlining processes and removing geographical barriers. It enables secure transactions, from online shopping to banking, by guaranteeing the authenticity of the parties involved. Furthermore, digital identity empowers individuals to verify attributes and rights in the digital environment, such as the age required to access certain content or the professional qualifications needed to apply for jobs. Social media, in particular, plays a significant role in this process, serving as spaces for self-expression and the construction of digital identity through the selective sharing of content and interaction with other users. In short, digital identity is not merely a technological tool, but rather the foundation for trust and security in online interactions, making it indispensable for active and informed participation in the digital society. The absence of a digital identity can lead to digital exclusion, limiting opportunities and access to essential services, just as happens in the physical world without the necessary documentation.

The concept of digital identity

To fully understand its significance, it is crucial to demystify the concept of digital identity. From a broad perspective, digital identity can be defined as the digital representation of a natural or legal person in the online environment. It consists of a set of interconnected data that identify an individual or an organisation in the virtual world, enabling their authentication and access to various services. This representation goes beyond a simple username and password, constituting a complex ecosystem of information that shapes the online presence of each entity.

A digital identity comprises several essential components. Attributes represent information about the individual, such as their name, date of birth, professional qualifications or medical history. Credentials are the data used for authentication and identity verification, including usernames, passwords, biometric data and digital certificates. Online activity history, also known as a digital footprint, is the trail of data created by a user’s interactions on the internet, such as websites visited, emails sent, social media posts and online purchases. Although the digital footprint is a consequence of online activity, it becomes a crucial component of digital identity, influencing one’s reputation and how others perceive us in the virtual world. Every online interaction leaves a record, which can be monitored and analysed, with implications for employment opportunities, personal relationships and even online security.

In today’s world, digital identity is of paramount importance. It is the key to accessing a wide range of services and carrying out transactions efficiently and securely. It serves as the foundation for trust and security in online interactions, enabling individuals and organisations to verify their authenticity. Furthermore, digital identity is fundamental to participation in the digital economy, facilitating e-commerce and other online activities. In an increasingly digital landscape, the ability to manage and protect one’s own digital identity is essential for individuals’ autonomy and well-being. It enables people to authenticate themselves, prove who they are and access services conveniently, making it a cornerstone of modern life.

Citizenship and online ethics

Digital citizenship refers to the rights and duties of citizens in the digital sphere. Among the fundamental rights of citizens in this area are the right to privacy and the protection of their personal data, the right to freedom of expression, the right to access information, and the right to civic participation through online platforms and tools. Although these rights are analogous to those in the physical world, their application and protection in the digital environment present unique challenges.

Alongside these rights, digital citizens also have duties. These include the duty to respect the privacy and data of other users, to adopt ethical and responsible behaviour online, avoiding conduct such as cyberbullying, hate speech and the dissemination of fake news, and to contribute to a safe and positive online environment for all. This therefore involves taking on a set of responsibilities aimed at ensuring collective well-being in the digital space.

Online ethics provides the principles that should guide citizens’ behaviour in the digital space. These principles include respect for others and for diversity of opinion, responsibility for one’s own actions and their impact on the online environment, integrity in demonstrating authenticity and transparency in interactions, and empathy towards the experiences and views of others. Digital ethics is a cornerstone for the development of a fairer and more inclusive digital society, playing a crucial role in deterring harmful behaviour and creating a healthy and respectful online environment.

A iniciativa europeia de identidade digital

The European Digital Identity Regulation (eIDAS 2.0) has been introduced against a backdrop of increasing digitalisation and aims to ensure the smooth functioning of the European market by providing a high level of security for electronic identification means and trust services across the European Union. The main objective is to enable EU citizens, residents and businesses to participate securely in the digital society and to access public and private online services across the EU. This initiative seeks to create an interoperable, secure and user-centred digital identity ecosystem, breaking down the barriers imposed by the fragmentation of national digital identity systems and facilitating cross-border interaction.

The initiative is based on several key components. The EU Digital Identity Wallets are mobile applications that will enable citizens to identify themselves online and offline, and to store and share digital documents securely. One of the main features will be cross-border functionality, ensuring that digital identities are recognised and accepted in all EU Member States. User control and privacy are central aspects, ensuring individuals have full autonomy over the information they choose to disclose, whilst promoting a privacy-centric design model, free from monitoring systems or automated data collection. In addition to identity, the initiative focuses on digital attributes, such as professional qualifications or age, enabling these to be verified for access to services. Security and trust are fundamental pillars, aiming to create a universal, reliable and secure system for identification and authentication. Interoperability will be ensured through uniform standards and specifications for digital wallets. The issuance, use and revocation of digital identity will be free of charge for individuals, and the software components will be open source. The initiative provides for integration with existing national electronic identification systems (autenticação.gov), and there will be a wide range of use cases, from opening bank accounts to verifying age and accessing services.

The European digital identity has the potential to significantly simplify the lives of citizens and businesses, making it easier to access services and carry out transactions across the EU. By providing an identity recognised throughout Europe, this initiative could boost the digital single market and promote the mobility of people and services.

The future of the European digital identity initiative holds significant potential to boost the digital economy. It will also be essential to ensure that the solution is inclusive and accessible to all citizens, regardless of their abilities or level of digital literacy. The success of this initiative will depend on the ability to overcome technical, security and adoption challenges, ensuring benefits for all EU citizens and businesses.

Skills for work

Digital identity, as a central component of interactions in a networked society, has been having a significant influence on both the workplace and the labour market. Its secure management and validation are essential, not only for accessing digital services, but also for shaping the way in which professional opportunities are created, accessed and managed, directly affecting individuals and organisations.

For professionals, having a verifiable digital identity is a genuine strategic asset. The ability to present authenticated digital credentials – such as diplomas, certificates of competence or professional licences – securely and immediately simplifies application processes and professional mobility, including at European level. Furthermore, a robust digital identity enables the use of qualified electronic signatures, which have the same legal validity as a handwritten signature, facilitating the formalisation of contracts and other official documents without the need for physical presence. Thus, effective management of one’s professional digital identity contributes to faster access to opportunities and enhances autonomy and the security of personal data in the workplace.

As far as organisations and the market in general are concerned, the adoption of well-structured digital identity systems brings significant benefits in terms of efficiency and security. Reliable verification of the identity and qualifications of candidates and employees streamlines recruitment and onboarding processes, reduces the risk of fraud and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. In increasingly flexible working models – particularly in remote and hybrid settings – secure authentication via digital identity helps to protect access to corporate systems and data. Furthermore, the trust generated by verified identities fosters more transparent and robust working relationships, contributing to a more ethical and competitive labour market.

It is also worth highlighting the growing convergence between personal and professional digital identities. On platforms such as LinkedIn or internal collaborative tools, the line separating personal and professional profiles can sometimes become blurred, and an individual’s digital footprint can influence how they are perceived professionally. Managing this interconnection requires a high degree of discernment and digital literacy, in order to balance personal authenticity with the creation of a coherent professional image. It is a matter of actively managing one’s online reputation, minimising risks and using one’s digital presence strategically for career development and professional relationships, without compromising privacy or security.

This integrated approach demonstrates how digital identity not only redefines contemporary working practices, but also becomes a crucial element in driving innovation and competitiveness in today’s labour market.

The (de)construction of our identity on social media

An individual’s digital identity on social media often consists of a set of contextual pseudonyms, through which different dimensions of the ‘self’ are explored depending on the audience, the communicative purpose or the virtual space in question. These platforms have become dynamic arenas for identity curation, where users construct and manage multiple manifestations of their ‘digital self’ in a continuous process of social interaction and adaptation to the underlying algorithms. A key element in this construction is the selective control of information. Users consciously choose the material they share – from photographs to accounts of daily life and opinions – generating digital narratives that emphasise positive or professionally relevant aspects of their reality. Whilst legitimate, this process can lead to idealised versions of the ‘digital self’ and create tension between the projected image and lived experience, adding pressure to constantly maintain an image of success.

Social reactions — notably ‘likes’, comments and shares — act as validation mechanisms that reinforce certain behaviours and shape the mutual perception of digital identities. Membership of virtual groups or communities also contributes to the formation of shared social identities, based on interests, values and dynamics of belonging specific to each context. The use of anonymity or pseudonyms allows users to experiment with additional facets of their identity, such as distinct profiles for recreational, personal or professional purposes. Such flexibility promotes the exploration and preservation of privacy, but also raises questions of ethical responsibility and potential abuse.

The much-missed Google Plus (G+), launched in 2011, is a prime example of the tensions between pseudonyms and identity verification. By linking social interactions and searches to a Google Account and requiring the use of real names, G+ sought to tie digital identity to a verifiable civil identity. The real-name requirement was intended to reinforce authenticity and accountability, criteria essential to online reputation. However, the ‘single name’ policy met with resistance due to the widespread use of nicknames and pseudonyms. Security incidents that exposed user data eroded trust, highlighting the fragility of digital environments and the importance of security and privacy in identity management. The closure of G+ in 2019 illustrates the challenges of reconciling freedom of identity, commercial viability and data protection within a constantly changing ecosystem.

Currently, professional networks such as LinkedIn use identity verification mechanisms, whether through document verification or peer validation. The awarding of trust badges to verified profiles enhances individual credibility and ensures greater accountability in interactions, combating fake profiles and increasing the reliability of professional identities.

Nor should the role of algorithms and information bubbles be underestimated, as by filtering content these mechanisms subtly influence the construction of various facets of identity, potentially restricting or shaping critical thinking and exposure to differing perspectives. Managing one’s digital identity on social media requires a critical and conscious approach, balancing freedom with the need for verification and transparency.

Security and privacy

The growing centrality of digital identity in the daily lives of individuals and organisations requires an integrated approach to security and privacy that goes beyond conventional technical measures. The misappropriation of personal attributes – ranging from contact details and identification numbers to academic or professional qualifications – can damage reputations, entail legal liabilities and cause financial loss. For this reason, the European legal framework, based on the principles of purpose limitation, data minimisation, restricted retention and proactive accountability (‘privacy by design’ and accountability), stipulates that any processing of data must comply with the requirements of transparency and informed consent, granting data subjects enhanced rights such as access, rectification, erasure, portability and the right to object. Technological solutions for identity verification, with their emphasis on qualified electronic signatures and certified authentication, ensure the robustness of digital transactions.

Despite the legislative framework, digital identity remains scattered across multiple profiles, pseudonyms and platforms, which makes it difficult for individuals to consolidate and exercise full control over their personal and professional data. This fragmentation of identity, combined with the persistence of digital traces, can prevent the full exercise of the right to be forgotten and the proper management of one’s online reputation, particularly when fake or hijacked profiles are mistaken for legitimate entities. It is also important to recognise that the security and privacy of digital identity are not merely technical concerns, but rather structural challenges that require digital literacy, continuous vigilance and, within organisations, a culture of data protection. The mindful management of multiple personas must be guided by criteria of authenticity, integrity and respect for fundamental rights, ensuring that the building of an online reputation takes place in a secure, transparent and responsible environment.

Inclusion and accessibility

Digital inclusion and accessibility are essential in today’s world, aiming to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their abilities or circumstances, can participate fully in the digital world. This involves including people with various disabilities – whether visual, hearing, mobility or cognitive – as well as individuals with limited access to technology due to socio-economic or geographical factors. Digital inclusion is not only a matter of social justice, but also a necessity to ensure that digital transformation benefits everyone and does not create new forms of exclusion. Technology must be designed and implemented in such a way that it is accessible to all, regardless of their abilities or circumstances.

However, there are a number of barriers that hinder digital inclusion and accessibility. A lack of access to suitable devices or to the internet is one of the main barriers. Furthermore, many websites and applications are not designed with accessibility in mind, making them difficult for people with disabilities to use. Overcoming these barriers requires a joint effort by organisations and individuals themselves, through investment in infrastructure, education, policy and design. Promoting digital inclusion is not limited to providing access to technology, but also to ensuring that people have the skills and support needed to use it fully and effectively.

Assessment of digital maturity

Assessing the digital maturity of individuals and groups has become a pressing need in contemporary society. This assessment makes it possible to identify existing levels of digital skills, tailor training and digital inclusion programmes more effectively, and measure the progress of digital literacy initiatives that have been implemented. Assessing digital maturity provides crucial data for the development of digital inclusion policies and programmes that are truly effective, enabling resources and efforts to be directed towards the areas where needs are greatest.

A number of digital competence frameworks have emerged as valuable tools in this process. DigComp (the European Digital Competence Framework) defines essential digital skills across five distinct areas: information and data literacy, communication and collaboration, digital content creation, security, and problem-solving. This framework provides a comprehensive model for understanding and assessing the digital competences required in today’s society, making it easier to identify gaps and set clear, structured learning objectives. In Portugal, INCoDe 2030 (the National Digital Competences Initiative for Portugal) is a government programme dedicated to promoting these skills across various sectors, including education, training, inclusion, research and innovation. National initiatives such as this demonstrate recognition of the importance of digital skills at government level, implementing strategies and actions on multiple fronts to raise the level of digital literacy amongst the Portuguese population.

In addition to frameworks, there are a number of specific assessment tools. Skills assessment platforms, such as the one offered by Academia Portugal Digital, provide a more detailed assessment of individuals’ level of digital proficiency. NAU, too, through various courses provided by partners – notably the course "Digital Identity: Digital Footprint" – is a practical example of a resource for developing digital literacy. The content of this course covers the definition and importance of the digital footprint, the monitoring methods used, the impact on privacy and online reputation, strategies for managing and minimising the digital footprint, and the associated risks. Its relevance lies in the fact that it provides essential knowledge for developing digital literacy with regard to managing one’s online identity.

In the field of skills certification, the ‘European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) – ECDL Core Certificate’ scheme deserves special mention. Its main aim is to provide an internationally recognised certification of basic computer skills. Its relevance lies in the fact that it is widely recognised by employers worldwide as proof of competence in the use of computers and common applications. Typical ECDL Core modules cover areas such as computer basics, IT security, internet browsing and email management, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and databases. The ECDL/ICDL offers a modular structure that allows individuals to certify the digital skills most relevant to their specific needs, making it a valuable tool for users wishing to validate their skills.

The consequences of digital illiteracy

A lack of digital literacy has a range of negative implications for individuals, for society as a whole and for the economy. For individuals, digital illiteracy hinders access to essential online services, such as the exercise of their own rights. It results in fewer employment opportunities and limited professional development, as many professions require digital skills. It increases vulnerability to online fraud and scams, and can also lead to social isolation and digital exclusion, preventing full participation in modern society.

For society, digital illiteracy contributes to increased social and economic inequality, creating a divide between those who have digital access and skills and those who do not. It results in reduced civic and democratic participation online, limiting technology’s potential to strengthen democracy. It also hinders the implementation of effective digital public policies, as a significant proportion of the population may be unable to benefit from them.

As regards the economy, a lack of digital literacy leads to lower productivity and competitiveness amongst businesses, which are increasingly reliant on digital technologies. It hinders access to jobs that require digital skills, creating a mismatch between labour supply and demand. Ultimately, digital illiteracy represents an obstacle to economic growth and innovation in an increasingly digitalised world.

 

In short, digital identity has emerged as a key element of the digital age, influencing our social, professional and civic interactions. Its importance lies in its ability to facilitate access to services, ensure the security of transactions and empower individuals to exercise their rights in the online environment. However, the full realisation of the benefits of digital identity depends intrinsically on citizens’ digital literacy, the implementation of robust security and privacy measures, the promotion of digital citizenship and ethics, and the guarantee of inclusion and accessibility for all. A lack of digital literacy, in turn, has significant consequences for individuals, society and the economy; it is therefore essential to invest – and to invest in oneself – in digital skills development.

The European digital identity initiative represents an ambitious and promising step towards creating a more secure, efficient and inclusive digital ecosystem across the European Union. By providing an internationally recognised digital identity centred on user control, this initiative has the potential to transform the way we interact in the digital world. However, its success will depend on the ability to overcome implementation challenges and to secure the trust and buy-in of citizens and organisations.

Ultimately, navigating the digital world safely and successfully requires an ongoing commitment to learning and developing digital skills. Every individual has a responsibility to manage their digital identity conscientiously and to adopt secure practices to protect their information and privacy, even where organisations are already making efforts to ensure such protection. Promoting a safe, ethical and inclusive digital environment is a collective responsibility that requires everyone’s collaboration.

 

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