The German government has proposed and electronic ID card that would use contactless smart card technology, according to a report from Electronics Supply & Manufacturing. The new credential would be similar to the electronic passport, but could also carry an electronic signature that could be used for online authentication.

Berlin-based Bitkom, a trade organization in favor of the plan, said the ID could enable access to online services, such as banking, shopping and electronic citizen services.

But certain members of Berlin Parliament are not in favor of the credential. The Greens criticized that an official document will be coupled with arrangements with private companies.

The card would be similar to the electronic passport and use the same microprocessor chip and the same data structure, the report states. Both could also contain fingerprint biometrics, though it would be voluntary with the ID card, while it’s compulsory with the passport. Rollout of the card could start in 2010.

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