About the Belgian electronic ID card?

Question

There was an article in De Morgen that read there were already videos on the net that show how to crack the chip on it.

How long will the Belgian government insist that Belgians use an electronic ID card that is fundamentally not safe?

From the gemeentehuis there is a printout with the details appearing on the card ... is that legally recognized as a proof of address or doe sthe card need to be swiped?

And if I want to object to my card being swiped on the grounds it is not safe ... whom do i address my concerns too?

Not really a travel question but thanks for your time anyway...

Answer 1

Excellent question. Except for the fact that it may or may not be cracked, this card has other drawbacks e.g. for married women, the husband's name doesn't appear and some women - traveling abroad - have had trouble to prove that they were really man & wife. One was even refused help for a new emergency airplane ticket (by the Belgian Consulat if my memory serves me right) - to assist the funeral of one of her in-laws - because her married name didnt appear on her ídentity card and she didn't have any other proof on hand! Result : She couldn't come back in time to be present during the funeral.

Another drawback is that you have to carry a hard copy of your info because not all infos are on the card which confirms my case in point hereabove.