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What is ETSI?

The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) is a not-for-profit organisation. It develops standards for telecommunications, broadcasting and information and communication technologies (ICT). Its role is pivotal in promoting innovation and ensuring the compatibility of ICT products and services on a global scale.

History of ETSI

Foundation

ETSI was founded in 1988 by the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) to harmonise standards across Europe and facilitate interoperability among telecommunication systems and services.

Purpose and goals

The organisation’s primary goal is to support European regulations and legislation by creating Harmonised European Standards. It aims to offer a platform for interested parties to collaborate on the development and promotion of global standards for ICT systems and services.

Evolution over time

In 1988, ETSI created and published the first Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) specifications. In 1993, ETSI was deemed an official European Standards Organisation under the Council directive 83/189/EEC. In 1998, ETSI became a founding partner in the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), releasing the first Long-Term Evolution (LTE) in 2009. Currently, ETSI has over 900 member organisations from more than 60 countries.

Key areas of focus

ETSI collaborates with industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies to create and maintain an array of technical standards in the following areas:

  • ICT: Develops and maintains standards for various ICT domains. These include cyber security, cloud computing and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications.
  • Telecommunications: Standardises telecommunications technologies, including mobile networks and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
  • Broadcasting: Establishes standards for digital broadcasting. These include digital video broadcasting (DVB) and multimedia delivery over broadband networks.

ETSI identity proofing standard

Objectives

ETSI launched its identity-proofing standard ETSI TS 119 461 in 2021 to help organisations verify that people are who they claim to be. This standard helps businesses meet legal compliance requirements, build consumer trust and mitigate the risk of data breaches and fraudulent activities.

Alignment with eIDAS 2.0

ETSI’s identity proofing standard ensures the following:

  • Level of assurance: Defines different levels of assurance for identity proofing, aligning with the eIDAS and eIDAS 2.0 regulations regarding electronic identification and trust services.
  • Technical specifications: Provides technical specifications for identity verification processes, including remote identity proofing.
  • Interoperability: Adherence to this standard ensures interoperability and cross-border recognition of electronic identities (eIDs), as mandated by eIDAS 2.0.

Place within KYC compliance

The standard outlines robust processes for identity proofing. These include document verification, biometric capture and identity binding; all essential components of Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance processes.

As per KYC regulations, the standard allows organisations to tailor their processes according to the level of risk.

The ETSI identity proofing standard also includes guidelines for ensuring privacy and data protection, which is crucial for meeting KYC requirements.

Impact of ETSI frameworks on identity verification

ETSI acts as a guiding light for remote identity verification solutions. It offers a pathway for industry leaders to ensure their solutions adhere to a standard set of practices and legal requirements.

ETSI’s identity proofing standard has the potential to shape and improve identity verification practices across industries, including financial services, telecommunications and government sectors. By providing a harmonised framework, ETSI facilitates cross-border interoperability and enhances trust in digital transactions.

*Disclaimer: This content does not constitute legal advice. The suitability, enforceability or admissibility of electronic documents will likely depend on many factors such as the country or state where you operate, the country or state where the electronic document will be distributed as well as the type of electronic document involved. Appropriate legal counsel should be consulted to analyze any potential legal implications and questions related to the use of electronic documents.