A survey on server-based electronic identification and signature schemes to improve eIDAS: with a new proposal for Turkey

The design, development, and implementation of e-Government applications aim to improve the quality of daily life and facilitate the mobility of citizens by reducing the constraints imposed by existing borders. This study examines previous research in the literature on electronic identification (eID) credentials technologies and the projects carried out in Europe. This study focuses especially on server-based e-signing methods. In the light of these reviews, the applicability of a server-based mobile electronic signature model without disrupting local initiatives has been examined as a case study. As an exemplary case, Turkey’s eID structure is examined from a technical and legal perspective. When creating the proposed server-based eID model, it was especially inspired by Austria’s server-based approach in use. In this process, the suitability of the existing structure with the server-based e-signing method was examined. In addition, some suggestions were made to eliminate the problems that may prevent the use of the proposed server-based e-signing method. This study revealed that a server-based electronic signature approach would develop a more user-friendly and flexible solution in identity management. It was concluded that using a server-based signature approach would help achieve international standards for cross-border online identification methods.