Glossary Self-declaration

Self-declaration

In many digital processes, the initial data collection is often carried out by the person concerned or the end customer themselves, quickly and easily, and without verification. This practice is known as self-declaration and is widespread in many online applications. However, while it may seem practical at first, it also poses risks, particularly with regard to data protection, security, and legal liability.

The following article explains what self-declaration is, where it is typically used, and its associated weaknesses. We also demonstrate how companies can use verified identity checks — such as those offered by PXL Vision — to enhance security and compliance.

What does self-declaration mean?

Self-declaration involves a person independently and unverifiably providing personal data, such as their name, date of birth, address or nationality. This information is initially provided without external identity verification or reliable authentication features. Self-declarations are primarily used in digital processes where only one person's data is initially required.

Typical areas of application for self-declaration

Self-declarations are used in many digital business models, particularly when speed, convenience and cost-effectiveness are important, but high security and compliance requirements are not.

• Online stores: for guest orders without a user account
• Newsletter registrations or account registrations (e.g. on platforms, forums, social media).
• Low-risk financial services, such as pre-scoring requests or opening accounts with low transaction amounts.
• Telecommunications: e.g. SIM card pre-registration outside regulated markets.
• Insurance and energy providers: for quote requests or contract proposals without policies.

Limits & risks of self-declaration

Even if self-declarations speed up processes, they harbor significant risks:

• EU Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (AMLD): An identity verification measure is mandatory for financial transactions or account openings.
• eIDAS Regulation (EU): It requires a defined level of trust for certain contracts or signatures, which self-declaration does not achieve. The eIDAS trust level is decisive here.
• TTDSG/DSGVO (GER): Sensitive or personal data may only be processed if the person has been authentically identified.
• ZertES & GwG (CH): A verifiable identity check is required by law for qualified electronic signatures or in the regulated financial sector.

Self-declaration vs. verified identity check

How PXL Vision supports

PXL Vision enables companies to supplement or replace self-declaration with verified digital identity verification, should this be required for legal or business reasons. Self-declarations can be made via the customer company's platform, and the data can be forwarded to PXL Vision for verification by our identification solution. Alternatively, we can map the entire process, including self-declaration as the first step, within our web-based system.

With our PXL Ident solution, users can be identified quickly, securely and in compliance with the GDPR - without media discontinuity, using state-of-the-art AI technology and optionally supplemented by a qualified electronic signature (QES).

Typical use cases:

• Avoidance of fake accounts in platform or fintech offerings
• Securing contracts in the B2C sector
• KYC-compliant digital onboarding for banks, insurance companies and mobility services
• Supplement to self-declaration in multi-stage registration processes