From Technology Diffusion to Social use: The Case of the eID Card in Spain

This paper describes Spanish governmental promotion of the national electronic identification card (eID) and its use by citizens since its inception in 2006. Here, we highlight the paradox regarding the high diffusion, but limited use, of the eID card in Spain, above all to complete electronic transactions with public sector agencies. This paper reviews a series of explanations about the possible causes of the abovementioned paradox. Theoretically, we focus on how the political science perspective, and especially new institutional theory, can help explain the development of digital identity policy and/or help address many of the questions raised in this paper. Methodologically, this work provides insights from a case study (on the Spanish eID card) using qualitative and quantitative data derived from various sources, and includes an analysis of official statistics about the use and diffusion of the eID in Spain. We conclude by offering an assessment on the Spanish government's initiatives to encourage the utilization of the eID card that allows it to be compared with other international cases.