Germany's Act on Personas Identity Cards and Electronic Identification

Germany enacted the completely new Act on Personas Identity Cards and Electronic Identification in 2009, consisting of 35 articles, which serves as the foundational version today. This act has two major features: First, in response to the proliferation of information equipment and online transactions, it incorporates an electronic identification function into the ID card, much like merging Taiwan's traditional ID card and Citizen Digital Certificate into a single document. Second, it sets forth much more specific and detailed requirements and standards for the collection, use, retention, data protection of personal data, and the retrieval of data by non-ID authorities, attempting thereby to minimize the chances of data leakage and abuse, and seeking a balance between security and convenience. After its implementation, the Act has been repeatedly amended, expanding from 35 articles to 40 articles to date. The version translated in this article was amended and passed on June 21, 2019, representing the latest version as of the end of March 2020.

Table of Contents

I. Translator's Preface

1. Brief History

2. Key Concepts and Provisions

3. Explanatory Notes on Chinese Vocabulary Selection

II. Provisions
Bilingual Comparison

History

Section 1 General Provisions

Section 2 Issuance and Blocking of Identification Documents

Section 3 Processing of Personal Data

Section 4 Authorizations; Electronic Signatures

Section 5 Identity Card Registers; Data Storage Regulations

Section 6 Obligations of Identity Card Holders; Invalidity and Revocation of Identity Cards

Section 7 Fees and Treasury Advances; Fines

Section 8 Authorization to Issue Regulatory Ordinances; Transitional Provisions

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