Everyday digital services in Iceland

est. 45 min

💡 After this training:

The learner is able to identify the methods of strong identification.
The learner will acquire the skills to use e-services.
The learner knows how to protect their personal information and privacy.

👀 How to coordinate this training:

Discussion	Let's discuss together about electronic identification: What is digital and electronic identification? Where have learners encountered it, and do they know how to do it? Why is it needed? Discuss together about different e-services and its use: Which of these services have you used before? What do you use them for? Is it easy to navigate the services? What kind of challenges do you have with using the e-services or mobile applications?
2. Emphasize privacy & safety	These services often contain very personal information. No one is required to show their own data during class. Use practice examples, trainer’s demo accounts, or screenshots instead of real logins.
Demonstrate and go through the main features	Pick one service to explore as a group. Go Step-by-Step Together Open the service's front page. Show how to: Log in (e.g. Bank ID or Mobile ID) Find benefit applications Check messages

Materials needed:

Computer 💻

Mobile phone 📲

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✨ Digital skills training about strong electronic identification and e-services

Digital ID

In Iceland, electronic identification (eID) is widely used to access public and private online services. The national eID solutions are operated by Auðkenni.

Electronic ID on a SIM card (mobile certificate)

This eID is linked to an Icelandic phone number and has been available for many years. To get it, you usually need to visit a registration authority in person.

Auðkenni App

The Auðkenni App is a newer generation of eID (introduced in 2021). It is not tied to a phone number, but it does require an internet connection. People with an Icelandic passport can activate the app through self-service, anytime and anywhere; others can activate it via a registration authority.

More information about the available eID types is available from Auðkenni: https://www.audkenni.is/en/information/types-of-digital-ids

Public Service Portal

Ísland.is is the main public service portal in Iceland. It brings many government services together in one place, but some applications and processes still redirect you to the responsible institution’s own service.

Portal: https://island.is/en

Ísland.is is organised around life events (for example, parenting, employment, or moving). It guides users between related services and helps them find the right authority. Currently, dozens of public websites and institutions are connected to the portal and its logged-in services (My pages) and Digital Mailbox.

Examples of everyday online services

Healthcare: Heilsuvera

Heilsuvera provides health information and guidance on topics such as diseases, prevention, and well-being. By logging in to “My pages”, users can access personal services such as booking appointments, renewing prescriptions, and sending secure messages to healthcare professionals (availability depends on the service/provider).

Education and childcare services: Vala

Many municipalities use Vala for services such as registration for early childhood education, primary and secondary schools, leisure centres, school meals, and youth programmes. With the Vala app guardians can typically view announcements, exchange messages with staff, check menus, and see calendars for their child’s preschool.

Libraries: Leitir.is

Leitir.is is a shared search portal for many Icelandic libraries and collections. Users can search for and reserve materials such as books, magazines, articles, music, visual materials, and items from special collections (availability varies by library).