Initiative QEI

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QEI is not surveillance. It is a proposal for identity protection.

QEI – Quantized Encrypted Identity – is not an initiative for general tracking or the mass collection of personal data. It is a professional framework for discussing how identity could be verified in exceptional and specially protected cases without unnecessarily compromising privacy.

The purpose of the initiative is not to expand surveillance, but to explore whether a model can be developed that protects individuals, assists institutions in limited and lawful cases, and at the same time maintains a high level of privacy.

Why this initiative

Digital identity
needs greater security and less disclosure.

Today, people often have multiple digital accounts, documents, registrations, records and procedures that require proof of identity. In practice, this often means disclosing more information than is truly necessary for a specific purpose.

QEI begins with the question of whether identity can be verified through a more limited, protected and controlled approach — so that the system confirms the required identity element without revealing more than necessary.

The technological challenge

Existing systems often
require more data than is strictly necessary.

In many identity-verification procedures, individuals disclose identity documents, dates of birth, addresses, identification numbers, photographs or other sensitive information, even when only confirmation of a specific attribute or right is actually required.

The QEI Initiative therefore raises a professional question: can a system be developed in which identity is confirmed through a protected technical record, without the unnecessary transfer or permanent exposure of personal data?

The key idea

Identity should be verifiable,
not always disclosed.

The QEI Initiative proposes considering a system in which identity, or specific identity elements, are verified through a protected, cryptographically processed and purpose-limited record.

An individual’s identity should not have to be fully disclosed again during every procedure. The aim is to verify only what is strictly necessary for a lawful and defined purpose.

Principles

A model designed for security,
privacy and the public interest.

Greater privacy

Every approach must be based on data minimisation and the prevention of unnecessary disclosure.

No central biometric database

The initiative does not envisage a model in which raw sensitive data would be stored in a single central database.

Higher level of security

Identity is verified through protected elements, rather than by publicly disclosing complete personal data.

Public interest

Any potential use should be limited to cases in which there is a clear public interest.

Safeguards

Sensitive technology
requires clear limits, oversight and accountability.

01Data minimisation

The system should use only the data that is strictly necessary for a defined purpose.

02Separation of records

Identity data, technical records and audit trails must be kept separate to prevent misuse.

03Legal basis

Every use must have a clear legal basis, a defined purpose and a controlled procedure.

Areas of application

Where identity,
security and digital systems intersect.

Digital identity

Safer digital identity verification without unnecessarily disclosing complete personal data.

Public administrations

Consideration of procedures in which identity must be confirmed securely, verifiably and in a limited manner.

Healthcare

A possible discussion on safer identity verification in sensitive healthcare procedures.

Finance

Identity verification in financial procedures where security is of critical importance.

Border procedures

A discussion on secure and privacy-friendly identity-verification procedures.

Protection of children and vulnerable persons

Potential use in exceptional cases involving the protection of children, vulnerable persons or the prevention of abuse.

Education

Consideration of secure identity verification when accessing sensitive education systems.

Digital protection

Protecting digital identities and access rights in an increasingly connected digital environment.

Basic process

From verifying identity elements
to a protected identity token.

01Verification

The system verifies specific identity elements within a lawful and limited framework.

02Separate processing

Processing is carried out in a way that prevents sensitive data from being combined unnecessarily.

03Token

A protected technical record, or identity token, is created.

04Verification without disclosure

The process enables verification without unnecessarily disclosing the individual’s full identity.

What QEI is not

The initiative is not intended for
mass surveillance, but for responsible identity protection.

QEI is not a proposal for a system of general tracking, mass screening of people or constant surveillance. The initiative explicitly follows the principle that any potential system must be limited, purpose-specific, legally justified and proportionate.

Such technology must not become a tool for profiling, commercial exploitation or the expansion of surveillance. Any potential use should be subject to clear safeguards, independent oversight and the public interest.

Comparison

Traditional systems often
disclose more than is strictly necessary.

Central database Traditional systems are often based on storing or displaying complete personal data.
Excessive disclosure During verification, more information may be disclosed than is strictly necessary for the purpose of the procedure.
Biometric risks Improper use of biometric data may create additional security and ethical risks.
Principles

Technology must be
useful, but never without accountability.

01Privacy by design Privacy must be built into the design of the system, not added afterwards.
02Proportionality Any potential use must be proportionate to its purpose and risks.
03Audit trail Every access and use must be verifiable, documented and supervised.
04Public interest The system must not serve private interests or be used without limits.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions
about the QEI Initiative.

01What is QEI?

QEI is an initiative for discussing protected and privacy-friendly identity verification.

02Does QEI mean a central biometric database?

No. The initiative is based on the principle that raw sensitive data must not be collected or centralised unnecessarily.

03Does the system disclose the full identity?

The purpose of the initiative is precisely the opposite: to verify only what is strictly necessary for a defined purpose.

04What does QEI protect?

QEI opens a discussion on identity protection, the prevention of abuse and more responsible digital infrastructure.

05Has the initiative already been implemented as a system?

No. It is an initiative and a professional concept that must first be subject to public discussion, legal assessment and technical analysis.

06Why a PDF document?

The PDF provides a comprehensive overview of the initiative, its principles, safeguards and possible areas of application in a single document.

Vision

QEI is not merely a technical proposal.
It is an initiative for a safer digital system of the future.

The future of digital identity will depend not only on technology, but also on trust, legal rules, ethical boundaries and society’s ability to protect individuals from abuse.

A safer digital future must not be viewed solely as a technical issue. It is also a matter of human dignity, privacy, accountability and the public interest.

Documentation

The complete initiative is
available in the PDF document.

QEI Initiative — Inštitut 1. april

This page presents a summary of the initiative. A PDF document is available for the complete professional, legal and technical overview.

Inštitut 1. april

Inštitut 1. april believes that technology must serve people. QEI is an initiative for a safer, fairer and more privacy-friendly digital system of the future.