The Austrian State Printing Company (OSD) is pleased to announce the full grant of a European patent for the protection of personal identity data through its proprietary “Open Secure Document Biometric Barcode.” The granting of Patent EP 4307152 B1 (link to the patent) to the Austrian State Printing Company was published in the European Patent Bulletin 26/33 and is therefore valid internationally.

Years of Development to Improve Data Security

After multiple years of research and development, OSD has created a process that offers highest levels of data security by combining various security technologies. The process combines personal biometric characteristics with a machine-readable QR code using open ledger technology. This has established a new standard for the protection of document-related data—a decisive step toward secure printed products in the coming “post-quantum” era. This security measure not only ensures the unambiguous association of documents such as birth certificates or citizenship documents with their owners, but also enables tamper-proof long-term archiving and verification of ID data—a crucial security advantage in light of possible future risks posed by quantum computers.

Enabling protection of important personal documents

In many cases, official identity documents such as passports are based on original documents—often issued by the government—such as a certificate of citizenship or a birth certificate (called “breeder documents”). The “Open Secure Document Biometric Barcode” allows the information in these original documents to be protected with a “digital security seal.” This “seal” can be read and verified for authenticity not only by government agencies but also by private individuals. Through the specialized use of encryption and hashing algorithms, as well as the ability to add modules even years after issuance, the document is thus also protected against potential future risks posed by quantum computers.

Innovative security expertise “made in Austria”

“With the granting of this patent, OSD underscores its position as a global pioneer in the field of high-security technology and sets new standards for the protection of sensitive data. Modern technologies ‘made in Austria’ not only protect citizens’ sensitive personal data but also ensure technological independence and sovereignty in uncertain times,” explains OSD Director General Helmut Lackner. The technology, developed in-house by OSD, is already integrated into current product lines and has the potential to provide long-term protection for countless additional documents in the field in the future.

Link to the patent: https://register.epo.org/application?number=EP22185169&tab=main

About the Austrian State Printing Company:

The Austrian State Printing Copmpany (OSD) is a globally active high-security company specializing in secure identity management. As a long-established Austrian company, OSD combines 222 years of experience in high-security printing with innovative expertise in digital identity solutions for customers both in Austria and abroad. In addition to the production and personalization of security documents such as the Austrian passport, national ID card, and driver’s license, the OSD Group, through its in-house digital subsidiary “youniqx Identity AG,” is also responsible for the successful implementation of digital ID projects such as the Austrian “eAusweise” app and the Liechtenstein digital identity “eID.li.” Furthermore, “youniqx Identity AG” is also developing the digital infrastructure for the upcoming “EU Digital Identity Wallet” for the Federal Republic of Germany. This positions the OSD Group ideally to meet all the requirements of modern, secure identity management.