VSDI welcomes Thomas Harenberg as a new personal member

We are delighted to welcome Thomas Harenberg as a new individual member of our association.

Thomas Harenberg is an experienced expert in identity solutions and security technologies with many years of experience in an international environment. His work focuses in particular on government identity systems, biometric procedures and applications in the field of border control. After several years working abroad, including in Dubai, he spent over 10 years as Managing Director at Veridos FZE in Dubai, a subsidiary of Veridos GmbH. He is now based in Berlin again and is contributing his international experience to current projects in the field of digital identities.

We took the opportunity to ask Thomas Harenberg a few questions.

VSDI: You have worked on government identity systems in various countries. What currently distinguishes Europe from other regions?

Thomas Harenberg: I can only speak here from my experience in Africa and the Middle East. In the Middle East in particular, the approach is to first test certain new technologies in the field through a proof of concept, adapt them, improve them or even withdraw them if the agreed objectives have not been met. Nor is there any attempt to reinvent the wheel; instead, the approach is to ‘learn from others or take our cue from the best solutions already in use on the market’. Any approach taken to the introduction of IT systems or apps for individual users is primarily guided by the main objective of ‘increasing convenience’. In comparison, Europe seems too sluggish, too slow and uncoordinated in this regard.

VSDI: Where do you currently see the biggest challenge in the introduction of the EUDI Wallet?

Thomas Harenberg: I see the biggest challenge as striking a fair balance between security and convenience. In my view, this will determine the success or failure of the EUDI Wallet’s introduction.

VSDI: In your view, what will ultimately determine the acceptance of the EUDI Wallet?

Thomas Harenberg: Ultimately, acceptance will increase if the EUDI Wallet delivers tangible everyday benefits and is simple and straightforward to use. For instance, for digital identification or applying for certificates from authorities and businesses. When I started at Bundesdruckerei in 1997, we developed the slogan ‘Data moves faster than citizens’. And this is what the Wallet needs to achieve. Specifically, enabling applications to be made without having to physically visit the citizens’ office. I have been using my UAE Wallet for five years, which already makes this possible.

VSDI: What are you most looking forward to in your collaboration with the association and its members?

Thomas Harenberg: I am most looking forward to direct and open dialogue with the members and the association, as well as working together in a spirit of trust to create tangible added value and make real progress on joint solutions.