Linux Phones

The problem isn't really the app, it's that a private organisation is controlling the default digital identification system, and how it is accessed. Until 2014 they had a Linux client for it, but it was discontinued. BankID has been around for a long time, so it's absolutely engrained in so many aspects of society here.

Past few weeks, these are instances I've used BankID, off the top of my head

• Had to pick up a DHL parcel in person, authenticated with BankID
• Picked up a parcel from a PostNord locker, BankID required
• Called my mobile phone provider many times (fuck telenor), authenticated with BankID
• Paid my bills, BankID to log in, as well as authenticate payment
• Bought a game expansion, BankID required to use my debit card
• Bought groceries (online, I struggle going out to groups of people), BankID at checkout
• Updated my dog's food subscription, BankID at checkout
• Checked in at dentist office, BankID to authenticate that I was present
• Digital mailbox to get a bill, BankID

Honestly I'm sure I've missed a bunch. In general though, doing something digitally and authenticating with BankID is the primary way of getting things done here. The "old fashioned way" is unconventional, and tends to be woefully slow. When my previous roomie didn't have a social security number (and subsequently not access to BankID) every single administrative thing they needed doing took forever, registering for school, doing tests, updating licenses, registering your address, even just plain buying things can be tricky.

This is the worst part. They all have functional websites, but to login you need digital ID(bankID) so one app is acting as the gate keeper