About VDSIC

Governance of the Visible Digital Seal

Established in October 2016, VDSIC is the independent global authority responsible for the governance, standardization, security, and trustworthiness of the environment of the Visible Digital Seal (VDS). Building on pioneering work in secure document technology, VDSIC provides the essential framework that enables digital trust for documents and products worldwide, based on VDS open and normalized technology.

Our Mission & Vision

Develop and promote an international and intersectoral environment for the Visible Digital Seal (VDS) by bringing together current and future stakeholders (both direct and indirect), by ensuring the global integrity, authenticity, security, and interoperability of VDS through effective governance and the maintenance of the trust environment.

Key pillars are:

StandardizationSecurityInteroperabilityTrustCollaboration

What We Do

Hosted by the VDSIC, the Governance Council of the federation of the networks of VDS brings together representatives of the member networks.

This Council fulfills several essential functions:

Define Global Policies & Standards

we develop and maintain the VDS technical specifications, operational rules, and security policies, ensuring alignment with international standards like ISO 22385 and ISO 22376. This includes defining universal formats and security requirements.

Manage the Root Trust Framework

we operate and secure the Governance List (Root LoTL) - the ultimate trust anchor referencing all the 'Scheme Operators' and their authorized Certification Authorities (CAs).

Accreditation & Oversight of Scheme Operators

we evaluate, approve, and oversee organizations acting as Scheme Operators. We manage VDS specific schemes, delegating authority within defined boundaries.

Supporting Use Case Creation

We facilitate the definition of VDS implementation by document type.

Promotion of Standardization

including with regard to application standards such as that relating to the 'European Digital Product Passport'.

From National Innovation to Global Standard

VDSIC builds upon significant foundational work, particularly in France. The VDS emerged from efforts by the French Agence Nationale des Titres Securises (ANTS) to combat fraud related to proof-of-residence documents, identified as a vulnerability in passport issuance, especially with increasing digitalization.

Early Collaboration

ANTS collaborated with technology providers to develop the initial solution, known as '2D-Doc', which became the first interoperable VDS implementation, adopted by organizations like EDF and Bouygues Telecom.

Broad Stakeholder Involvement

The initiative quickly gained momentum, incorporating contributions from various public (Ministry of the Interior, CNOEC, CFONB, etc.) and private stakeholders.

FnTC Support

The Federation des Tiers de Confiance du numerique (FnTC) was an early and crucial supporter. The term 'Visible Digital Seal' itself originated within an FnTC working group.