How Telefónica Tech is Pushing Secure Digital IDs for Telcos

Telefónica Tech has introduced a new digital identity solution that gives users control over how their personal data is shared. 

Aimed at telecoms providers and public organisations, the system is built on self-sovereign identity (SSI), allowing individuals to manage digital credentials directly from their devices. These credentials include personal ID, certificates and access permissions.

The launch helps organisations prepare for new regulations across the European Union. With the EU’s digital identity framework, which is based on the EUDI Wallet project, the solution will be applied to all member states by the end of 2026. 

Telefónica Tech's ready-made tool could help telcos and institutions to meet these requirements by protecting personal data and simplifying access control.

Control and privacy through verifiable credentials

Self-sovereign identity means individuals – not companies – choose what information to share and when. Verifiable credentials are digitally signed records issued by trusted bodies and stored on the user's device. They can be used to prove identity without revealing more information than necessary.

Telefónica Tech’s solution supports this approach. Organisations can issue, validate and manage digital credentials, replacing formats like PDFs. For example, local councils issuing census documents can now provide credentials residents upload to their devices to prove residence when required.

To support adoption, Telefónica Tech also offers professional services. These include its TrustOS blockchain system, which records when a credential is issued, who by and whether it remains valid or has been revoked.

Elena Gil Lizasoain, Director of AI and Data at Telefónica Tech, says: “Our self-sovereign identity solution is designed to help public administrations and private companies stay ahead of the new European framework and enable their employees, customers and citizens to maintain control over the personal information they share on the Internet. 

“Our identity is a critical asset and we must ensure absolute transparency throughout its life cycle by facilitating its transfer and use by third parties, but only when necessary.”

Simple and secure integration for telcos

Telefónica Tech’s system is designed to make identity verification simple. 

All organisations are required to do is show users a QR code, which they scan to present the relevant credential from their phone. In turn, reducing the amount of data shared and speeds up processes.

For telecom providers, the solution offers practical benefits.

Not only does it reduce identity fraud but the solution also supports secure onboarding. Operators can verify customer data such as age or area of residence without storing or accessing extra information – further supporting compliance with privacy rules and improving the customer experience.

Use cases include age checks for digital services, access control for restricted areas, confirmation of residence in low-emission zones and fraud prevention in online purchases. 

Credentials may include civil registration, driving license or proof of address, all of which can be verified without showing full documents.

Trust through decentralised identity

Telefónica Tech’s approach avoids centralised storage, reducing the risk of data breaches. Users store credentials on their own devices and only share them with permission. 

Organisations can trust the data as it is issued by verified parties and users stay in control of what is shared.

This model supports compliance and builds trust between users and providers. As telecoms companies expand digital services, SSI offers a way to futureproof identity processes while aligning with regulatory changes. 

Telefónica Tech’s solution provides telcos with tools to reduce risk, manage data access and meet EU digital identity rules.