Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Legislation, Technology

Rõivas told the newspaper and the Delfi portal that the security of e-services and data confidentiality is fundamentally important.

"If the state offers its citizens a secure identification and messaging possibility, such a possibility cannot contain back doors," he announced of his categorical opposition to any weakening of the ID card.

He added that the law enforcement authorities have to find other ways to control crime. "Estonia is of the view that to fight crime, other means have to be found, it cannot be done at the expense of security of the ID card," said Rõivas.

Rõivas expressed concern that a so-called backdoor could ruin the trust of people, who have accepted ID cards, towards the system. "Estonia has worked hard for many years on the technical and subjective security of the ID card. An ID card and encryption with back door would diminish confidence in our system, since creation of such technical back door opens up the opportunity to use it for all, who have the required technical skills and knowledge."

Rõivas confirmed that now, no one has the access to ID card encryption system. "The Estonian ID card does not currently have a back door, and we do not support creating it. Estonia stands firmly for preserving the 100% security of the ID card."

Eesti Päevaleht wrote today that in Europe, pressure is increasing to build back doors in powerful encryption systems since they are beginning to hinder law enforcement work.