Estonia Plans Official Digital Identity System for AI Agents

Estonia has long used electronic identity cards, digital signatures and cross-agency data exchange to power its digital government. It is now extending that governance framework to AI agents capable of performing tasks autonomously. Through its national Eesti.ai initiative, the government is exploring an “AI identity code” that would define whom an agent may represent, what it may do and who is responsible when something goes wrong, laying the institutional groundwork for auditable automated services.

The latest plan would give AI agents officially verifiable digital identities linked to permissions granted by individuals or institutions, operational records and accountable parties. Agents would be allowed to act only within clearly defined limits. The project remains at the planning stage, with no bill name, budget, pilot date or formal launch schedule announced. Key issues ahead include rules for issuing and revoking identities and securing their cross-border recognition.