POSTIDENT Release Notes Archive

You can find the current technical documentation at: www.postident.de/handbuch

POSTIDENT System

 

POSTIDENT Information Portal

  • Deactivation and deletion of user and system accounts
    For security reasons, user and system accounts will be deactivated after 120 days of inactivity. If access is still required after deactivation, please contact your user administrator or the Serviceteam POSTIDENT to have your access reactivated. The following applies to user accounts only: If access is not reactivated, your account will be deleted 60 days after deactivation.
     

POSTIDENT by AutoID

  • Information update of POSTIDENT by AutoID
    The procedure POSTIDENT by AutoID is the automated identification process for quick and secure identification with ID cards. Your customers can be identified in a user-friendly manner around the clock via smartphone using machine learning techniques. You can find more information about POSTIDENT by AutoID at postident.de/autoid. You will also find a video tutorial illustrating the process.

    The AutoID process is part of the POSTIDENT portfolio for standard (including “non-GwG”) use cases and can be used in addition to POSTIDENT by video chat, POSTIDENT by post office and POSTIDENT by online ID function (eID).

    If you have any further questions, please contact the Serviceteam POSTIDENT.
     
  • Expansion of supported ID cards
    Additional ID cards have been added for the nationalities Belgium, Canada, Spain, France, Great Britain, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Portugal, Serbia and the USA, which will be supported in the AutoID process with release 17.0.
     

POSTIDENT delivery

  • Individual return addresses per shipment
    A return address is currently defined globally for all shipments that are sent with your billing number. Alternatively, it is now possible to define an individual return address for each shipment instead. In order to do this, the use of individual return addresses must be configured for your billing number (please contact the Serviceteam POSTIDENT).

    Detailed information on the transfer of individual return addresses when placing an order can be found in our documentation in the SFTP Delivery API Guide Start in Chapter 3, XML files as a new ReturnAddress element can be found under Structure of Delivery Request (will be updated for rollout).

 

POSTIDENT Apps and SDK

  • Adjustments to POSTIDENT by online ID function
    Adjustment of individual text elements for POSTIDENT by online ID function process due to the rebranding of “AusweisApp2” to the new name “AusweisApp”
     
  • Supporting the user at POSTIDENT through video chat
    In order to make it easier for the user to interact with the agent, a new page is integrated before the chat starts. This page contains tips for the user so that the agent can quickly and easily recognize the security features on the ID card.
     

iOS

Android

 

  • Overview of current versions:

SDK

Version

Date of release

End of official support

New features

iOS

2.0

14.06.2023

14.12.2023
  • Upgrade of the previous SDK framework (replacing Cocoapods)
    • Launch of the new "xcFramework", which can be integrated much better into the current iOS development
    • Better use of the new "xcFramework" with the SwiftPackageManager
  • Support of the M1 simulator
    • M1 simulator support on Apple devices for better iOS development
  • Replacement of the previous video interface for POSTIDENT by video chat
    • Replacement of the previous "IceLink" video interface with a WebRTC interface developed in-house
    • Ensuring the future performance and stability of the iOS framework
    • Further improvements of the video chat connectivity quality
  • Correct selection of the camera on PRO models
  • Support of the electronic residence permit with POSTIDENT by online ID function (eID) for GwG and eIDAS identifications
iOS 2.1 27.07.2023 27.01.2024
  • Support of the eID card for citizens of the EU and the EEA with POSTIDENT by online ID function (eID)
  • UX improvements
  • Videochat:
    • Optimization of connection quality
    • Improvement of image and video recordings
    • Improvement of performance and stability
iOS 2.2 09.10.2023 09.04.2024
  • Support of the user languages Spanish and Polish
    • If the user has set up the languages Spanish or Polish in the smartphone/tablet settings, the POSTIDENT app will adopt the selected language. If the user has not set up German, Spanish or Polish, the default language is English.
    • The support of the new languages Spanish and Polish only refers to the ident process in the app. E-mails and SMS will continue to be offered in German and English.
  • Improvement of user understanding
    • To explain the CAN (access number), the existing FAQ for the article "What is the CAN and what do I need it for?" will be added with Release 16.0. Specifically, the FAQ contains extended information on when to use the 6-digit access number on the front of the ID card.
  • UX adjustments when using an iPad (iOS)
  • Improved compatibility of older iPhones with a 720p front camera when using Fotoident
iOS 2.3 exp. CW 48 2023 exp. CW 22 2024
  •  POSTIDENT by online ID function
    • Adjustment of individual text elements for POSTIDENT by online ID function process due to the rebranding of “AusweisApp2” to the new name “AusweisApp”
  • POSTIDENT by video chat
    • In order to make it easier for the user to interact with the agent, a new page is integrated before the chat starts. This page contains tips for the user so that the agent can quickly and easily recognize the security features on the ID card.

Android

2.0

23.06.2023 23.12.2023
  • Replacement of the previous video interface for POSTIDENT by video chat
    • Replacement of the previous "IceLink" video interface with a WebRTC interface developed in-house
    • Ensuring the future performance and stability of the iOS framework
    • Further improvements of the video chat connectivity quality
  • Correct selection of the camera on PRO models
  • Support of the electronic residence permit with POSTIDENT by online ID function (eID) for GwG and eIDAS identifications
Android 2.1 27.07.2023 27.01.2024
  • Support of the eID card for citizens of the EU and the EEA with POSTIDENT by online ID function (eID)
  • UX improvements
  • Videochat:
    • Optimization of connection quality
    • Improvement of image and video recordings
    • Improvement of performance and stability
Android 2.2 09.10.2023 09.04.2024
  • Support of the user languages Spanish and Polish
    • If the user has set up the languages Spanish or Polish in the smartphone/tablet settings, the POSTIDENT app will adopt the selected language. If the user has not set up German, Spanish or Polish, the default language is English.
    • The support of the new languages Spanish and Polish only refers to the ident process in the app. E-mails and SMS will continue to be offered in German and English.
  • Improvement of user understanding
    • To explain the CAN (access number), the existing FAQ for the article "What is the CAN and what do I need it for?" will be added with Release 16.0. Specifically, the FAQ contains extended information on when to use the 6-digit access number on the front of the ID card.
Android 2.3 exp. CW 48 2023 exp. CW 22 2024
  • POSTIDENT by online ID function
    • Adjustment of individual text elements for POSTIDENT by online ID function process due to the rebranding of “AusweisApp2” to the new name “AusweisApp”
  • POSTIDENT by video chat
    • In order to make it easier for the user to interact with the agent, a new page is integrated before the chat starts. This page contains tips for the user so that the agent can quickly and easily recognize the security features on the ID card.

Release 18.0:
Rollout of Release 18.0 is scheduled for January 23rd, 2024.

 

POSTIDENT by video chat

  • Introduction of a new sub-status in case of improper use of the procedure
    If POSTIDENT by videochat is misused by a private customer, the agent now has the option of rejecting the ident with substatus 15 abuse (421 declined/15 abuse). In this case, identification with the declined caseID is no longer possible across all methods.

POSTIDENT by online ID function (eID)

  • Improvement of user understanding
    To explain the CAN (access number), the existing FAQ for the article "What is the CAN and what do I need it for?" will be added with Release 16.0. Specifically, the FAQ contains extended information on when to use the 6-digit access number on the front of the ID card.

POSTIDENT Apps and SDK

Support of the user languages Spanish and Polish

  • If the user has set up the languages Spanish or Polish in the smartphone/tablet settings, the POSTIDENT app will adopt the selected language. If the user has not set up German, Spanish or Polish, the default language is English.
  • The support of the new languages Spanish and Polish only refers to the ident process in the app. E-mails and SMS will continue to be offered in German and English.

 

iOS:

Android:

  • UX adjustments when using an iPad (iOS)
  • Improved compatibility of older iPhones with a 720p front camera when using Fotoident

 

Overview of current versions:

   

SDK

Version

Date of release

End of official support

New features

iOS

2.0

14.06.2023

14.12.2023
  • Upgrade of the previous SDK framework (replacing Cocoapods)
    - Launch of the new "xcFramework", which can be integrated much better into the current iOS development
    - Better use of the new "xcFramework" with the SwiftPackageManager
  • Support of the M1 simulator
    -M1 simulator support on Apple devices for better iOS development
  • Replacement of the previous video interface for POSTIDENT by video chat
    - Replacement of the previous "IceLink" video interface with a WebRTC interface developed in-house
    - Ensuring the future performance and stability of the iOS framework
    - Further improvements of the video chat connectivity quality
  • Correct selection of the camera on PRO models
  • Support of the electronic residence permit with POSTIDENT by online ID function (eID) for GwG and eIDAS identifications
iOS 2.1 27.07.2023 27.01.2024
  • Support of the eID card for citizens of the EU and the EEA with POSTIDENT by online ID function (eID)
  • UX improvements
  • Videochat:
    - Optimization of connection quality
    - Improvement of image and video recordings
    - Improvement of performance and stability
iOS 2.2 exp. CW 38 2023 exp. CW 12 2024
  • Support of the user languages Spanish and Polish
    - If the user has set up the languages Spanish or Polish in the smartphone/tablet settings, the POSTIDENT app will adopt the selected language. If the user has not set up German, Spanish or Polish, the default language is English.
    - The support of the new languages Spanish and Polish only refers to the ident process in the app. E-mails and SMS will continue to be offered in German and English.
  • Improvement of user understanding
    - To explain the CAN (access number), the existing FAQ for the article "What is the CAN and what do I need it for?" will be added with Release 16.0. Specifically, the FAQ contains extended information on when to use the 6-digit access number on the front of the ID card.
  • UX adjustments when using an iPad (iOS)

    Improved compatibility of older iPhones with a 720p front camera when using Fotoident

Android

2.0

23.06.2023 23.12.2023
  • Replacement of the previous video interface for POSTIDENT by video chat
    - Replacement of the previous "IceLink" video interface with a WebRTC interface developed in-house
    - Ensuring the future performance and stability of the iOS framework
    - Further improvements of the video chat connectivity quality
  • Correct selection of the camera on PRO models
  • Support of the electronic residence permit with POSTIDENT by online ID function (eID) for GwG and eIDAS identifications
Android 2.1 27.07.2023 27.01.2024
  • Support of the eID card for citizens of the EU and the EEA with POSTIDENT by online ID function (eID)
  • UX improvements
  • Videochat:
    - Optimization of connection quality
    - Improvement of image and video recordings
    - Improvement of performance and stability
Android   exp. CW 38 2023 exp. CW 12 2024
  • Support of the user languages Spanish and Polish
  • If the user has set up the languages Spanish or Polish in the smartphone/tablet settings, the POSTIDENT app will adopt the selected language. If the user has not set up German, Spanish or Polish, the default language is English.
  • The support of the new languages Spanish and Polish only refers to the ident process in the app. E-mails and SMS will continue to be offered in German and English.
  • Improvement of user understanding

    To explain the CAN (access number), the existing FAQ for the article "What is the CAN and what do I need it for?" will be added with Release 16.0. Specifically, the FAQ contains extended information on when to use the 6-digit access number on the front of the ID card.

 

Release 17.0:

Rollout of Release 17.0 is scheduled for November 14th, 2023.

 


POSTIDENT by online ID function (eID)

  • Support of the eID card for citizens of the EU and the EEA with POSTIDENT by online ID function (eID)
    As already announced to the affected customers in our communication of May 17th 2023, starting with Release 15.0 the eID card for citizens of the EU and of the EEA (eID card UB) can be used for online identification in addition to the German identity card (eID with online ID function) and the electronic residence title (eAT). This applies to all regulatory classes.

 

POSTIDENT Apps and SDK

Videochat (iOS and Android)

  • Optimization of connection quality
  • Improvement of image and video recordings
  • Improvement of performance and stability

 

Overview of current versions:

 

 

SDK

Version

Date of release

End of official support

New features

iOS

1.6

13.02.2023

13.08.2023

  • Simplified switch between the ITU and the PROD version: Implementation of a new "PostidentSdk.start()" method to call the ITU in an easier way.
    - If no parameter is delivered (default), the PROD version is used.
    - If the parameter "useTestEnvironment: true" is used, the system switches directly to the ITU.
    - Advantage: The previous manual way of switching to the ITU is no longer necessary. However, the previous "old" manual way is still possible, so that no adjustment is necessary.
    - Note: The ITU MobileSDKApiKey is still required.

iOS

1.6.1

23.02.2023

23.08.2023

Bugfix of the issue that POSTIDENT by photo could not be configured without configuring POSTIDENT by video chat at the same time.

iOS

1.7

n.a.

n.a.

The iOS SDK version 1.7 has not been released. The announced features are part of the SDK version 2.0.

iOS

2.0

14.06.202314.12.2023

 
  • Upgrade of the previous SDK framework (replacing Cocoapods)
    - Launch of the new "xcFramework", which can be integrated much better into the current iOS development
    - Better use of the new "xcFramework" with the SwiftPackageManager
  • Support of the M1 simulator
    -M1 simulator support on Apple devices for better iOS development
  • Replacement of the previous video interface for POSTIDENT by video chat
    - Replacement of the previous "IceLink" video interface with a WebRTC interface developed in-house
    - Ensuring the future performance and stability of the iOS framework
    - Further improvements of the video chat connectivity quality
  • Correct selection of the camera on PRO models
  • Support of the electronic residence permit with POSTIDENT by online ID function (eID) for GwG and eIDAS identifications
iOS 2.1 exp. CW 30 2023 exp. CW 04 2023
  • Support of the eID card for citizens of the EU and the EEA with POSTIDENT by online ID function (eID)
  • UX improvements
  • Videochat:
    - Optimization of connection quality
    - Improvement of image and video recordings
    - Improvement of performance and stability

Android

1.6

15.02.2023

15.08.2023

  • Simplified switch between the ITU and the PROD version: Implementation of a new "PostidentSdk.start()" method to call the ITU in an easier way.
    - If no parameter is delivered (default), the PROD version is used.
    - If the parameter "useTestEnvironment: true" is used, the system switches directly to the ITU.
    - Advantage: The previous manual way of switching to the ITU is no longer necessary. However, the previous "old" manual way is still possible, so that no adjustment is necessary.
    - Note: The ITU MobileSDKApiKey is still required.General optimization of the Android SDK for stability and performance
  • General optimization of the Android SDK for stability and performance

Android

1.7

n.a.

n.a.

The Android SDK version 1.7 has not been released. The announced features are part of the SDK version 2.0.

Android

2.0

23.06.2023 23.12.2023
  • Replacement of the previous video interface for POSTIDENT by video chat
    - Replacement of the previous "IceLink" video interface with a WebRTC interface developed in-house
    - Ensuring the future performance and stability of the iOS framework
    - Further improvements of the video chat connectivity quality
  • Correct selection of the camera on PRO models
  • Support of the electronic residence permit with POSTIDENT by online ID function (eID) for GwG and eIDAS identifications
Android 2.1 exp. CW 30 2023
  • exp. CW 04 2024
  • Support of the eID card for citizens of the EU and the EEA with POSTIDENT by online ID function (eID)
  • UX improvements
  • Videochat:
    - Optimization of connection quality
    - Improvement of image and video recordings
    - Improvement of performance and stability

 

Release 16.0:

Rollout of Release 16.0 is scheduled for September 5th, 2023.

 

POSTIDENT Apps and SDK

  • Video chat (iOS and Android)
    - Optimization of connectivity quality
    - Improvement of image and video recordings
  • Overview of current versions:

     

SDK

Version

Date of release

End of official support

New features

iOS 

1.5

16.11.2022

17.05.2023

  • Improved handling of the app when the user in a video chat moves the app to the background while waiting in line

iOS

1.6

13.02.2023

13.08.2023

  • Simplified switch between the ITU and the PROD version: Implementation of a new "PostidentSdk.start()" method to call the ITU in an easier way.
    - If no parameter is delivered (default), the PROD version is used.
    - If the parameter "useTestEnvironment: true" is used, the system switches directly to the ITU.
    - Advantage: The previous manual way of switching to the ITU is no longer necessary. However, the previous "old" manual way is still possible, so that no adjustment is necessary.
    - Note: The ITU MobileSDKApiKey is still required.

iOS

1.6.1

23.02.2023

23.08.2023

Bugfix of the issue that POSTIDENT by photo could not be configured without configuring POSTIDENT by video chat at the same time.

iOS

1.7

n.a.

n.a.

The iOS SDK version 1.7 has not been released. The announced features are part of the SDK version 2.0.

iOS

2.0

exp. CW 18/19 2023

exp. CW 45/46 2023

  • Upgrade of the previous SDK framework (replacing Cocoapods)
    - Launch of the new "xcFramework", which can be integrated much better into the current iOS development
    - Better use of the new "xcFramework" with the SwiftPackageManager
  • Support of the M1 simulator
    -M1 simulator support on Apple devices for better iOS development
  • Replacement of the previous video interface for POSTIDENT by video chat
    - Replacement of the previous "IceLink" video interface with a WebRTC interface developed in-house
    - Ensuring the future performance and stability of the iOS framework
    - Further improvements of the video chat connectivity quality
  • Correct selection of the camera on PRO models
  • Support of the electronic residence permit with POSTIDENT by online ID function (eID) for GwG and eIDAS identifications

Android

1.5

17.11.2022

17.05.2023

  • Bugfix: correct opening of CallbackUrl after skipping the feedback screen by the user (photo ident)
  • Improving the customer's photo quality during a video chat
  • Improved handling of the app when the user in a video chat moves the app to the background while waiting in line

Android

1.6

15.02.2023

15.08.2023

  • Simplified switch between the ITU and the PROD version: Implementation of a new "PostidentSdk.start()" method to call the ITU in an easier way.
    - If no parameter is delivered (default), the PROD version is used.
    - If the parameter "useTestEnvironment: true" is used, the system switches directly to the ITU.
    - Advantage: The previous manual way of switching to the ITU is no longer necessary. However, the previous "old" manual way is still possible, so that no adjustment is necessary.
  • Note: The ITU MobileSDKApiKey is still required.General optimization of the Android SDK for stability and performance

Android

1.7

vsl. CW 13 2023

vsl. CW 38 2023

  • Correction of the layout when inserting the CAN using the “Online ID function” method
  • Support of the electronic residence permit with the “Online ID function” method for GwG and eIDAS identifications

Android

2.0

exp. CW 18/19 2023

exp. CW 45/46 2023

  • Replacement of the previous video interface for POSTIDENT by video chat
    - Replacement of the previous "IceLink" video interface with a WebRTC interface developed in-house
    - Ensuring the future performance and stability of the iOS framework
    - Further improvements of the video chat connectivity quality
  • Correct selection of the camera on PRO models
  • Support of the electronic residence permit with POSTIDENT by online ID function (eID) for GwG and eIDAS identifications

 

Release 15.0:

Rollout of Release 15.0 is scheduled for July 11, 2023.

 

POSTIDENT System

  • Notice of possible problems when accessing the information portal
    After Release 13.0, users may run into an error when calling up the information portal (e.g. browser displays "Too Many Redirects" or "Redirect Error"), or bookmarks may no longer work. In this case, the following troubleshooting steps should be taken:

    - Clearing the browser's entire cache

    - Re-entry via the URL postident.deutschepost.de/auskunftsportal/

 

POSTIDENT by online ID function (eID)

  • Support of the electronic residence title with POSTIDENT by online ID function (eID) for GwG and eIDAS identifications
    Starting with Release 13.0, in addition to the German identity card (eID with online ID function), the electronic residence title (eAT) can now also be used in the GwG and eIDAS classes for online identification. Up until now the eAT could only be used in the telecommunications and standard classes. The use of the eAT is basically possible as long as the eID function of the chip is activated. Thereby it does not matter whether it is an eAT with an ID card replacement function or not.

 

POSTIDENT Apps und SDK

  • Correction of the layout when inserting the CAN using POSTIDENT by Online ID function (Android)
    With certain Android devices, the "Continue" button has previously not been visible on the CAN input screen using POSTIDENT by online ID function (eID). This error is fixed with the new release.

  • Correct selection of the camera on Pro models (iOS)
    With PRO models of the iPhone (models with 3 camera lenses), a different camera lens will be addressed in the future, so that image quality and drop-out rate will be improved.

  • Overview of current versions:

     

SDK

Version

Date of release

End of official support

New features

iOS

1.4

21.09.2022

21.03.2023

  • Detailing of the README information for testing on the ITU
  • Bugfix: Improved handling of webUrl and appUrl when using photoident
  • Possibility to initialize the SDK on the ITU if only "Videochat" has been configured as a method

iOS 

1.5

16.11.2022

17.05.2023

  • Improved handling of the app when the user in a video chat moves the app to the background while waiting in line

iOS

1.6

13.02.2023

13.08.2023

  • Simplified switch between the ITU and the PROD version: Implementation of a new "PostidentSdk.start()" method to call the ITU in an easier way.
    - If no parameter is delivered (default), the PROD version is used.
    - If the parameter "useTestEnvironment: true" is used, the system switches directly to the ITU.
    - Advantage: The previous manual way of switching to the ITU is no longer necessary. However, the previous "old" manual way is still possible, so that no adjustment is necessary.
    - Note: The ITU MobileSDKApiKey is still required.

iOS

1.6.1

23.02.2023

23.08.2023

Bugfix of the issue that POSTIDENT by photo could not be configured without configuring POSTIDENT by video chat at the same time.

iOS

1.7

vsl. CW 13 2023

vsl. CW 38 2023

  • Correct selection of the camera on PRO models
  • Support of the electronic residence permit with POSTIDENT by online ID function (eID) for GwG and eIDAS identifications

Android

1.4

29.09.2022

29.03.2023

  • Possibility to initialize the SDK on the ITU if only "Videochat" has been configured as a method

Android

1.5

17.11.2022

17.05.2023

  • Bugfix: correct opening of CallbackUrl after skipping the feedback screen by the user (photo ident)
  • Improving the customer's photo quality during a video chat
  • Improved handling of the app when the user in a video chat moves the app to the background while waiting in line

Android

1.6

15.02.2023

15.08.2023

  • Simplified switch between the ITU and the PROD version: Implementation of a new "PostidentSdk.start()" method to call the ITU in an easier way.
    - If no parameter is delivered (default), the PROD version is used.
    - If the parameter "useTestEnvironment: true" is used, the system switches directly to the ITU.
    - Advantage: The previous manual way of switching to the ITU is no longer necessary. However, the previous "old" manual way is still possible, so that no adjustment is necessary.
  • Note: The ITU MobileSDKApiKey is still required.General optimization of the Android SDK for stability and performance

Android

1.7

vsl. CW 13 2023

vsl. CW 38 2023

  • Correction of the layout when inserting the CAN using the “Online ID function” method
  • Support of the electronic residence permit with the “Online ID function” method for GwG and eIDAS identifications

 

Release 14.0:

Rollout of Release 14.0 is scheduled for May 16, 2023.

 

POSTIDENT System

  • Change of the digital certificate (RSAPSS) used for signing the result data and increase of the key length to 3072 bits (SFTP) on January 24th, 2023
    As has been announced in the release notes for Release 11.0 as well as by email to affected customers on October 27th, 2022, Deutsche Post's digital certificate (RSAPSS) for signing the result data will be changed on January 24th, 2022 at 10 pm. A longer key with 3072 bits will be used, so that the cryptographic processes used by Postident are kept up to date with the latest technology. If you check the retrieved result data with our certificate, please check all files generated by us after the change date with the new certificate. Files that have already been generated before the change, must be checked with the old certificate, even if they are picked up after the change.
  • Deprecation of SHA-1 based algorithms in the payload encryption of SCR Encryption as well as increasing the minimum RSA public key length to 3072 bits
    As has been announced by email in October 2022,  the algorithms used for retrieval of ident and signing results via the REST endpoints SCR-Ident (/api/scr/v1/) and SCR-Signing (/api/scr-signing/v2/) will be modified. The algorithm that is used is specified by you in the HTTP header "x-scr-alg". If you do not specify the header then RSA1_5 is currently used. The public key used for encryption is passed by you in the HTTP header "x-scr-key". The following changes and recommendations for action apply:

    - The RSA1_5 and RSA-OAEP algorithms are no longer supported, leaving the RSA-OAEP-256 algorithm, which will also be the new default unless the HTTP header "x-scr-alg" is set. Please switch to the algorithm RSA-OAEP-256. If you have not set the HTTP header "x-scr-alg" so far, set it explicitly to "RSA-OAEP-256".

    - RSA public keys with 2048 bits are no longer supported. The new minimum length is 3072 bits. Please generate a new keypair with at least 3072 bit length and pass the new public key in the field "x-scr-key".
  • Removal of support for outdated SFTP host key algorithms
    As has been announced by email in September 2022, the ssh-rsa and ecdsa-sha2-nistp521 algorithms used when retrieving identification and signing results as well as video recordings via SFTP from the host postident-transfer.deutschepost.de will no longer be used. Algorithms ed-25519, rsa-sha2-512 and rsa-sha2-256 remain. Please switch your SFTP client to one of the remaining algorithms. In most cases, this is possible by configuration. If your SFTP client does not support any of the methods, you must either switch to a newer version or, if necessary, to a different product.

 

POSTIDENT Apps and SDK

  • Extension of the permission requests (Android 13)
    Due to changes in Android 13, it is now also necessary – in addition to the existing authorization requests – to request the user's authorization for the notification.

 

  • Stability improvement on older Android OS versions (Android 5, 6, 7 and 8)
  • Video chat - additional information on the need of taking pictures of the ID document (iOS and Android)
    Before the end customer is connected to a video agent, an additional information is displayed which informs the end customer that, due to regulatory requirements, the ID document may be photographed again during the following video chat. The additional information gives the end customer more transparency on the necessity of this process step and prepares them to have the ID document ready during the video chat.

POSTIDENT SDK

  • Overview of current versions: 
SDK Version Date of release End of official support
(date of release + 6 months)
New features
iOS 1.4 21.09.2022

21.03.2023

  • Detailing of the README information for testing on the ITU
  • Bugfix: Improved handling of webUrl and appUrl when using photoident
  • Possibility to initialize the SDK on the ITU if only "Videochat" has been configured as a method
Android 1.4 29.09.2022 29.03.2023
  • Possibility to initialize the SDK on the ITU if only "Videochat" has been configured as a method
iOS 1.5 16.11.2022 17.05.2023
  • Improved handling of the app when the user in a video chat moves the app to the background while waiting in line
Android 1.5 17.11.2022 17.05.2023
  • Bugfix: correct opening of CallbackUrl after skipping the feedback screen by the user (photo ident)
  • Improving the customer's photo quality during a video chat
  • Improved handling of the app when the user in a video chat moves the app to the background while waiting in line
iOS 1.6 expected CW 6 2023 expected CW 32 2023
  • Simplified switch between the ITU and the PROD version: Implementation of a new "PostidentSdk.start()" method to call the ITU in an easier way.
    - If no parameter is delivered (default), the PROD version is used.
    - If the parameter "useTestEnvironment: true" is used, the system switches directly to the ITU.

    Advantage: The previous manual way of switching to the ITU is no longer necessary. However, the previous "old" manual way is still possible, so that no adjustment is necessary.

    Note: The ITU MobileSDKApiKey is still required.
Android 1.6 expected CW 6 2023 expected CW 32 2023
  • Simplified switch between the ITU and the PROD version: Implementation of a new "PostidentSdk.start()" method to call the ITU in an easier way.
    - If no parameter is delivered (default), the PROD version is used.
    - If the parameter "useTestEnvironment: true" is used, the system switches directly to the ITU.

    Advantage: The previous manual way of switching to the ITU is no longer necessary. However, the previous "old" manual way is still possible, so that no adjustment is necessary.

    Note: The ITU MobileSDKApiKey is still required.
  • General optimization of the Android SDK for stability and performance

 

Release 13.0:

Rollout of Release 13.0 is scheduled for March 21, 2023.

 

POSTIDENT System

  • Change of the digital certificate (RSAPSS) used for signing the result data and increase of the key length to 3072 bits (SFTP) on January 24th, 2023:

    In order to keep the cryptographic processes used at Postident state of the art, the digital certificate (RSAPSS) from Deutsche Post used for signing the result data will be changed on January 24th, 2022 at 10 pm and switched to a longer key length of 3072 bits. The affected customers have already been informed by us via email on October 7th, 2022.

    If you check the retrieved result data with our certificate, please check all files generated by us after the change date with the new certificate. Files that have already been generated before the change, must be checked with the old certificate, even if they are picked up after the change.

 

POSTIDENT Apps and SDK

  • Optimization of video chat queue (Android)
    If the user moves the Android app to the background, a local notification is sent after 5 seconds that the video chat will automatically end after 15 seconds. By clicking on the notification, the user returns to the waiting area.

The user can jump back to the queue directly via the notification.

If the user does not respond to the notification, the queue will be exited.

 

  • Overview of current versions: 
SDK Version Date of release End of official support
(date of release + 6 months)
New features
iOS 1.2 22.06.2022 22.12.2022  
Android 1.2 07.07.2022 07.01.2023  
iOS 1.4 21.09.2022

21.03.2023

  • Detailing of the README information for testing on the ITU
  • Bugfix: Improved handling of webUrl and appUrl when using photoident
  • Possibility to initialize the SDK on the ITU if only "Videochat" has been configured as a method
Android 1.4 29.09.2022 29.03.2023
  • Possibility to initialize the SDK on the ITU if only "Videochat" has been configured as a method
iOS 1.5 expected CW 48 expected CW 22 2023
  • Improved handling of the app when the user in a video chat moves the app to the background while waiting in line
Android 1.5 expected CW 48 expected CW 22 2023
  • Bugfix: correct opening of CallbackUrl after skipping the feedback screen by the user (photo ident)
  • Improving the customer's photo quality during a video chat
  • Improved handling of the app when the user in a video chat moves the app to the background while waiting in line

 

Release 12.0:

The rollout of release 12.0 is planned for January 24, 2023.

 

POSTIDENT System

  • Removal of the record object for video chat recordings in the JSON result file (only affects GwG customers)
    When delivering a video chat recording via SHAFT using POSTIDENT by videochat, the JSON result data has previously contained a record object with type 'videochatrecording' and, among other fields, the field fileName. This object containing metadata about the delivered video chat recording will be removed with release 10.0. As a replacement, the videoRecordingDeliveryShaft boolean field has already been introduced in the additionalDataVideo object in Release 9.0, which indicates that a video chat recording is being delivered (see figure).

    The video files delivered via SHAFT remain unaffected by this change, i.e. in particular that the file name and format (syntax according to the documentation: VIDEOCHATRECORDING_<BENUTZERNAME>_<ABRECHNUNGSNUMMER>_<VORGANGS_NR>.webm) are retained. The affected customers have already been informed by us via email on July 29th, 2022.

 

POSTIDENT Apps and SDK

  • Announcement: Discontinuation of support for Android 5 and 6 with POSTIDENT by eID (starting Release 12.0, SDK v1.6)
    With Release 12.0, the latest SDK from the eID service provider (v.1.24) is implemented in the Android POSTIDENT app. In this course, our eID service provider will no longer support end devices with Android operating system versions 5 and 6. However, the POSTIDENT app will continue to be available for Android operating system versions 5 and 6, so that further POSTIDENT methods can still be carried out with these operating system versions. If the end user chooses the ident method POSTIDENT by eID, he will be asked to select a different method.

    Within the Postident Android SDK, you can use the minSDKApi level or a self-installed switch to decide whether the operating system versions Android 5 and 6 should continue to be supported.

  • Overview of current versions: 
SDK Version Date of release End of official support
(date of release + 6 months)
New features
iOS 1.0 02.02.2022 02.08.2022  
Android 1.0 02.02.2022 02.08.2022  
iOS 1.1 13.04.2022 13.10.2022  
iOS 1.2 22.06.2022 22.12.2022  
Android 1.2 07.07.2022 07.01.2023  
iOS 1.4 21.09.2022

21.03.2023

  • Detailing of the README information for testing on the ITU
  • Bugfix: Improved handling of webUrl and appUrl when using photoident
  • Possibility to initialize the SDK on the ITU if only "Videochat" has been configured as a method
Android 1.4 29.09.2022 29.03.2023
  • Possibility to initialize the SDK on the ITU if only "Videochat" has been configured as a method
iOS 1.5 expected CW 48 expected CW 22 2023
  • Improved handling of the app when the user in a video chat moves the app to the background while waiting in line
Android 1.5 expected CW 48 expected CW 22 2023
  • Bugfix: correct opening of CallbackUrl after skipping the feedback screen by the user (photo ident)
  • Improving the customer's photo quality during a video chat
  • Improved handling of the app when the user in a video chat moves the app to the background while waiting in line

 

Release 11.0:

Rollout of Release 11.0 is scheduled for November, 29th 2022.

 

POSTIDENT system

  • New field in JSON result file:
    For GwG customers, the boolean field videoRecordingDeliveryShaft is added to the JSON result data. This indicates that a video chat recording is being produced and delivered. The affected customers have already been informed by us via email on July 29th, 2022.
  • Update of the Zip4j library
    The Zip4j library used for zipping the result data and video chat recordings has been updated to the latest version 2.11.0. There is no action required on your side.

POSTIDENT delivery

  • Greater transparency in the status model
    Changes were made to the status model of Postident delivery, resulting in improved transparency. In doing so, substatuses and substatusreasons were restructured, renamed or supplemented so that the specific reason for a declined status becomes more apparent. The following figure shows the corresponding changes:

 

POSTIDENT by video chat

  • Stability improvements and performance optimizations
    For Android operating systems, the stability and performance of the video chat between the end customer and the agent has been improved. In addition, further general performance optimizations were implemented for video chat.

POSTIDENT Apps and SDK

  • Overview of current versions:
 
 
SDK Version Date of release End of official support
Android 1.0 02.02.2022 02.08.2022
Android 1.2 07.07.2022 07.01.2023
Android 1.4 expected CW 39 CW 13 2023
iOS 1.0 02.02.2022 02.08.2022
iOS 1.1 13.04.2022 13.10.2022
iOS 1.2 22.06.2022 22.12.2022 
iOS 1.4 expected CW 39
CW 13 2023

 

Release 10.0:

The rollout of Release 10.0 is planned for November 8th, 2022.

Notice
With the current release, the logic of versioning has been changed, so that Release 7.3 will become Release 8.0 on July 12th, 2022.

 

POSTIDENT system

Support in the implementation of new security requirements
New security requirements for login passwords, data passwords and public keys will apply from 2023. With Release 8.0, customers who have been activated for the user administration in the information portal can see at a glance which passwords and public keys need to be adjusted in order to meet the new security requirements.

If you have not yet been activated for user administration, you are welcome to contact our serviceteam for initial authorization. Further information can be found in the SST AG result guide on our download page under “Technische Dokumentation”.

POSTIDENT by video chat

Support of Vietnamese characters
The Vietnamese character set is now supported as part of the data collection during the video chat, so that Vietnamese names, streets, etc. can also be recorded correctly.

Prioritized forwarding in the event of faulty video recordings
If the system detects problems with the video recording in video chats, e.g. because the recording cannot be sent correctly to the backend, the chat is no longer aborted. Instead, the agent receives a notification that there are problems with the recording. The end customer is informed that the identification process has to be restarted and that he/she is immediately forwarded to the next free agent.

For the end customer, this has the advantage that he/she does not have to start the ident process again, but is prioritized and forwarded to the next available agent with minimal waiting time.

Redesign of the waiting area
The following adjustments were made to the apps in the Videoident waiting area to make them more user-friendly:

  • After waiting 5 minutes, the user is shown a button to select an alternative procedure, provided that other procedures are configured.
  • The user can display his camera in the waiting area.
  • If the user moves the app to the background, a local notification is sent after 5 seconds that the video chat will automatically end after 15 seconds, if the user does not return to the Postident app. By clicking on the notification, the user returns to the waiting area.

Improvement of usability
Entering different customer data during the identification process is simplified, i.e. the end customer is offered a suitable keyboard layout for the data to be entered.

Examples:

  • Date of birth / date of issue: datepicker
  • Mobile phone number: enter numeric data

Introduction of a new iOS SDK framework
With the iOS SDK version 1.3, which is expected to be released at the beginning of August, we are separating from the previous use of Cocoapods in order to integrate the SDK on iOS end devices of business customers. With the iOS SDK version 1.3, a new framework is used to significantly simplify the time required to integrate the SDK and the effort involved in the update process to a new iOS SDK version. Existing SDK customers will receive appropriate migration documentation for switching to the new SDK framework.

Postident Apps and SDK

  • Overview of current versions
SDK Version Date of release End of official support
(Date of release + 6 months)

Android

0.7.2

17.12.2021

17.06.2022

iOS

0.6

10.08.2021

at least until 10.02.2022 (period of support will be extended):
From the moment a new version is available, support is guaranteed for another 3 months

iOS

1.0

02.02.2022

02.08.2022

Android 

1.0

02.02.2022

02.08.2022

iOS

1.1

13.04.2022

13.10.2022

iOS

1.2

TBD (scheduled for 27.06.2022)

+ 6 months 

Android

1.2

TBD (scheduled for 27.06.2022)

+ 6 months 

iOS

1.3

TBD (scheduled for beginning of august)

+ 6 months

Android

1.3

TBD (scheduled for beginning of August)

+ 6 months

Release 9.0:

The rollout of Release 9.0 is planned for September 6th, 2022.

POSTIDENT by video chat

  • New substatus reasons for GwG (German Money Laundering Act) customers
    With Release 7.2 new substatus reasons for the status incomplete for POSTIDENT by video chat will be introduced. This concerns preliminary statuses that you receive as an answer to a status query via the SCR interface. The introduction of this new feature leads to greater transparency of the error patterns and the possibility of being able to make specific adjustments. The new substatus reasons are listed below:

    205 Videochat recording faulty due to max queue size reached
    206 Videochat recording faulty due to too many chunks lost
    207 Videochat recording faulty due to agent disallowing screen share function

    More information on this topic in the Standard Connect & Result Ident REST API Guide 2 Result
  • Transparency in the case of faulty video recordings
    If problems are found with the video recording during ongoing GwG (German Money Laundering Act) chats, the call is immediately and automatically canceled with Release 7.2. The end customer sees the following message: " Unfortunately, this video chat had to be aborted due to a technical problem. Please try again later." This feature prevents a faulty chat from being carried out to the end and makes sure that the end customer is informed in advance that he has to carry out another identification attempt.
  • New information texts for parallel chats
    If a customer has established several parallel connections to a video ident via different end devices, new information texts appear in the following situations:

    - The ident has been completed successfully (status 411 or 421) and the parallel call is connected to the agent: "The call was aborted, because your identification has already been processed."
    - The ident is in post processing (status 410 or 420) and the parallel call is connected to the agent: "The call was aborted, because your video identification is already being processed.”
  • Extended selection of languages
    Using the ident method POSTIDENT by video chat, the languages ​​"Ukrainian" and "Arabic" are available now for the end user to speak to an agent in this language and carry out the ident.

Postident Apps and SDK

  • Optimized usability when entering the eID PIN
    In order to avoid incorrect entries and blocking of the ID document, new instructions and warning messages for the end user were integrated at various points in the PIN entry process. If the end customer does not know his or her PIN, for example, he or she is informed about the PIN reset letter and forwarded directly to the corresponding website (https://www.pin-ruecksetzbrief-bestellen.de/) via a link.
  • Extension of the current information text for eID
    When selecting the ident method POSTIDENT by eID, the existing information text is supplemented by the German identity card. This is intended to avoid misunderstandings in advance if an end user wants to use a non-German identity card.
  • New TLS certificate
    A new TLS certificate will be required from May 31, 2022. For the SDK version, a new public key is provided for SDK customers in order to be able to integrate the certificate.
  • Overview of current versions

SDK

Version

Date of release

End of official support
(Date of release + 6 months)

Android

0.7.2

17.12.2022

17.06.2022

iOS

1.0

02.02.2022

02.08.2022

Android 

1.0

02.02.2022

02.08.2022

iOS

1.1

13.04.2022

13.10.2022

 

Release 7.3

  • Rollout of release 7.3 is scheduled for July, 12th, 2022.

POSTIDENT Portal

  • Announcement: With Release 7.2 new substatus reasons for the status incomplete for POSTIDENT by video chat will be introduced. This concerns preliminary statuses that you receive as an answer to a status query via the SCR interface. The introduction of this new feature leads to greater transparency of the error patterns and the possibility of being able to make specific adjustments. The new substatus reasons are listed below:

205 Videochat recording faulty due to max queue size reached
206 Videochat recording faulty due to too many chunks lost
207 Videochat recording faulty due to agent disallowing screen share function

 

POSTIDENT Apps and SDK

  • Support for end devices with iOS version 12 will be discontinued with the release of iOS app version 7.1. The support for iOS 12 in SDK 1.0 will continue for another 6 months (ForceUpdate). Around 2% of all Postident users are currently using iOS 12.

  • The API levels 21 & 22 (Android Version 5.0 and 5.1) can no longer be used with the Android SDK and the Postident App in regard to Postident by video chat. The end user is shown a corresponding information and the option to choose a different method (see screenshot for Postident App below). This affects about 0.28% of Postident users.
  • Overview of current versions:
    SDK Version Date of release End of official support
    (Date of release + 6 months)
    Android 0.6 10.08.2021 10.02.2022
    Android 0.7.2 17.12.2021 17.06.2022
    iOS 0.6 10.08.2021 min. 10.02.2022 (Support period will be extended:
    From the moment a new version is available,
    support will be guaranteed for three more months)
    iOS 1.0 02.02.2022 02.08.2022
    Android 1.0 02.02.2022 02.08.2022
 
  • If there is an incorrect configuration of identification method in the SDK and therefore no identification method can be selected, the end user now has the option of carrying out the identification via the Postident app. This ensures that the end user can continue to complete the identification. The end user receives an error message, the option to copy the CaseID and a redirect to download the Postident app in the app stores (iOS/Android).

Release 7.2:

Rollout of release 7.2 is scheduled for May, 17th, 2022.

POSTIDENT by videochat

In terms of quality improvements place holders used for identification numbers of temporary German passports will no longer be filled with zeros. Unlike other passports the place holder can not be found at the end of the identification number, but rather on second position. Example: DEU_I6:

The identification number consists of one letter, followed by a place holder, followed by 7 digits. As of now the place holder will not be filled with a zero any longer, so that the identification number is captured without a place holder, as in this example: C0000000.

POSTIDENT delivery

For more transparency in regard to result data of our POSTIDENT delivery customers the new substatus reason 335 (identification check negative, other reason) is implemented. This new substatus reason will automatically be delivered via existing interfaces.  

POSTIDENT SDK Support

Note: Please make sure to always use an updated version of the SDK app. In case of an outdated version the user will be redirected to the POSTIDENT app. The following table shows the versions that are currently supported as well as the end of the official support: 

SDK Version Date of release End of official support
(Date of release + 6 months)
Android 0.6 10.08.2021 10.02.2022
Android 0.7.2 17.12.2021 17.06.2022
iOS 0.6 10.08.2021 min. 10.02.2022 (Support period will be extended: From the moment a new version is available, support will be guaranteed for three more months)

Note: In December 2021 a vulnerability within the Google Places library has become known. The Android SDK uses Google Places for displaying post offices on Google Maps for POSTIDENT by postoffice. The weak point has been evaluated and rated as not exploitable. In the new SDK 0.7.2 version the vulnarability has beend closed, therefore we recommend a contemporary update. 

Release 7.1:

Rollout of release 7.1 is scheduled for March, 22nd, 2022. 


POSTIDENT Portal

  • Customers with active webhooks will from now on receive a webhook with every declined case. While there had been only certain exceptions until now (e.g. operation valid time frame exeeded), webhooks for ident customers will also be sent out when the substatus is 12 or 17. 
  • Customers who are set up for the user administration at the Auskunftsportal can benefit from different improvements regarding usability and security starting with the new release. The independent administration of users and system-accounts for the Postident system is therefore getting more easy and secure. In case you are not set up yet for the user administration, you are welcome to contact our serviceteam for an initial setup. You will find more information in the SST AG-Ergebnis Guide on our download site https://www.deutschepost.de/de/p/postident/downloads.html.

POSTIDENT SDK Support

Note: Please make sure to always use an updated version of the SDK app. In case of an outdated version the user will be redirected to the POSTIDENT app. The following table shows the versions that are currently supported as well as the end of the official support: 

SDK Version Date of release End of offical support
(Date of release + 6 months)
iOS 0.5 10.05.2021 10.11.2021
Android 0.5 10.05.2021 10.11.2021
iOS 0.6 10.08.2021 10.02.2022
Android 0.6 10.08.2021 10.02.2022
Android 0.7.1 29.10.2021 29.04.2022


With the rollout 6.9 on November 16th the support of version 0.5 will be discontinued.

POSTIDENT Portal

  • The SCR-Signing and SCR-Ident interface support only secure webhook-URLs with HTTPS encryption. As we are not aware of any URLS without an HTTPS encryption at the moment, there is no need for action on your side.
  • Customers who are set up for the user administration in the Auskunftsportal can benefit from new advantages starting release 6.8, as the administration of data passwords and publics keys is going to be much easier:

    1) When creating a data password it is now possible to specify the exact time at which the data password will be valid. This way there is no more need for coordination with POSTIDENT regarding the exact moment of data passwords changes.

    2) Every SFTP user can now create up to 3 public keys in order to make the administration easier when changes are necessary. These public keys can also be deleted again as long as at least one public keys stays valid.

If you are interested in an independent administration of users in the Auskunftsportal, please contact the Serviceteam Postident for an initial setup: serviceteam.postident@deutschepost.de

POSTIDENT E-Signing

  • For users of the test- and integration environment (ITU) the Signing test app for an independent simulation of test cases is now also available in English.

POSTIDENT SDK support

Note: Please make sure to always use an updated version of the SDK app. In case of an outdated version the user will be redirected to the POSTIDENT app. The following table shows the versions that are currently supported as well as the end of the official support:

SDK Version Date of release End of official support
(Date of release + 6 months)
iOS 0.5 10.05.2021 10.11.2021
Android 0.5 10.05.2021 10.11.2021
iOS 0.6 10.08.2021 10.02.2022
Android 0.6 10.08.2021 10.02.2022

POSTIDENT Portal

  • Coloured highlighting of declined idents in the Auskunftsportal
    We now mark declined idents more clearly and highlight the status in the result-PDF in red. By doing so, we minimize the risk of high-risk idents being missed when manually processed.
  • Request of basic-coupons through partners
    It is now also possible for your partners (e.g. comparison portals) to retrieve POSTIDENT coupons for identification at the post office and make them available to the customers.
  • Delivery of a new test-app
    Providing that you have access to our test- and integration environment (ITU), a new test-app is now available. The test-app enables users to independently simulate identification cases. In case you don’t have access to the ITU yet, you can set up an integration project with the help of the Serviceteam POSTIDENT.
  • Implementation of a user administration in the Auskunftsportal
    The user adminstration in the Auskunftsportal enables users to independently administer user and system-accounts for the Postident system. You will find more information on this subject in the SST AG-Ergebnis Guide on our download site.

References

  • Please note that the outdated result data format XML in the Auskunftsportal will be provided no longer than December 31st, 2021.

POSTIDENT Portal

  • E-Signing: After completing the ident case the customer will immediately be sent a reminder e-mail including a re-entering link to the signing case. Before the release a reminder-email had been sent out only after 24 hours. With the earlier sending of the reminder e-mail from the new release onwards, private customers are supported in completing the signing process more quickly.
  • We are working on AI-supported improvements to the identification procedure POSTIDENT by video chat in order to extend the options to identify fraudulent activities. 
    In this context, we inform users in the data privacy information that biometric data can be used.

References:

  • Please note that the outdated result data format XML in the Auskunftsportal will be provided no longer than December 31st, 2021.
  • The following identification documents for video and photo ident have been activated since the last release: ALB_P4, AUS_RB12, AUS_RB26, BFA_P4, BGD_P7, BGD_P8, CHE_P6, COL_P7, CYP_I4, EGY_P4, EST_P11, GBR_RB10, GBR_RB11, GBR_RB12, GBR_RB13, GBR_RB20, GBR_RB21, GBR_RB30, GBR_RB31, GBR_RB32, GBR_RB33, GBR_RB38, GBR_RB39, GBR_RB58, GBR_RB59, GHA_RB3, MLT_I5, NOR_P7, PRT_P6, SLV_I2, UZB_RB1

The complete list of all supported documents can be found on our download website: https://www.deutschepost.de/de/p/postident/downloads.html

Content: Bug fixes and improvements

POSTIDENT Portal

  • Omission of data field Salutation
    For starting an E-Signing case it is no longer mandatory to deliver the data field "salutation". It is an optional field. The result data via SCR-interface (SCR ident as well as SCR E-Signing) will be delivered without the data field "salutation". So far the delivery of this field had been optional.
  • New substatus reasons for fraud suspicion for POSTIDENT by postoffice
    New substatus reasons for the status declined (fraud suspicion) will be displayed at POSTIDENT by post office. These comprise "multiple identity checks for single person", "multiple persons present" and "multiple identity checks for single person over a longer period".
    You can find the adjusted interface description in our download portal on page 14.
  • Changes regarding supported key exchange process (KEX):
    There will be adjustments regarding saftey-related configurations of our SFTP-Server (postident-transfer.deutschepost.de Port 22), of which Ident- and Signing results can be obtained. We do not expect the need of adjustment on your system. However, to make sure please check if your SFTP-Client can handle these adjustments:
    - The KEX-process "diffie-hellman-group-exchange-sha256" will only accept key lengths of at least 2048 Bit (until now 1024 Bit)
    - The following additional KEX-processes are supported: diffie-hellman-group14-sha256, diffie-hellman-group15-sha512, diffie-hellman-group16-sha512
  • Modifications to supported host key types (server authentification):
    The SFTP-Server additionally offers an ed25519 key for server authentification. Fingerprints:
    - SHA256:JyPAAXn3I82oojXq0Tw0X+qRlbl4xAx0shHgf0K0O6U
    - MD5:cd:4f:c3:d4:44:81:01:28:7b:5b:1d:12:2d:f0:f6:b8
  • Discontinuation of support of the Windows Internet Explorer
    The support of the Windows Internet Explorer for the ident portal will no longer be continued as the share of users has fallen below 1%. Following note is being displayed for the user:

POSTIDENT apps and websites

  • POSTIDENT apps – change of language via system language
    A change of language in the apps will only be possible through the change of the system language via device settings.

POSTIDENT Portal

  • Support of the Edge browser for Postident by video chat
    From release 6.3 the Microsoft Edge Browser will be supported for Postident by video chat. In exchange the support of the Internet Explorer will end with release 6.4 (10th February 2021) due to a decreasing number of users.
  • System adaptions and improvements in the backend
    Additionally several system adjustments and improvements in the backend will be implemented in this release.
    Up to date those changes have no functional impact on the services you use.

POSTIDENT Portal

  • New substatusreason social engineering for fraud suspicion in Postident by video chat
    The new substatusreason social engineering will be displayed for status declined with substatus fraud suspicion for Postident by video chat.
    This reason will be indicated when there is a suspicion that the person to be identified has become victim of a kind of fraud that is called social engineering.
    You can find this supplement in the interface description on our download page on page 10.
  • New substatus and substatusreasons for status incomplete and declined for Postident by eID
    For Postident by eID many new substatus and substatusreasons will be displayed for status incomplete and status declined. This way you get more transparency over the identification process and it easier for you to understand the reasons for termination.
    You find the corresponding values and their short description in the interface description on our download page on page 11.
  • Delivery of birth name for Postident by eID for class GwG
    For Postident by eID for class GwG (German Money Laundering Act) the birth name will be read out and delivered with the result data if available. 
  • Position of the header information in the result data pdf has changed
    The Information in the header of the result data pdf will be shown on the left side and not on the right side anymore.
    Accordingly the logo of Deutsche Post will be displayed on the right side and not on the left side. This makes it possible to display long values in the data field "Eigene Referenz 1".

Example for the new header

  • Increasing the security of passwords
    In order to increase security for system accounts (e.g. SCR-Ident, SCR-Signing) and for data passwords of the zip file encryption (e.g. Auskunftsportal, SHAFT), the length of the passwords is increased from 12 to 24 characters. This rule applies for all system account passwords  and data passwords generated after rollout of release 6.2.
    Passwords for personal accounts to the Auskunftsportal are not affected by this change.

POSTIDENT portal

  • POSTIDENT by post office will be purely digital by 30th September 2020!
    At the latest on 30th September 2020 you will no longer receive paper forms with the POSTIDENT by post office result data.
    As of this date you will receive result data from post office identifications only digital.
    Please adjust your processes on time and contact us via our website: www.postident.de/digitalisation.
  • Measures to enhance quality and stability
    With this release several system adjustments are made which improve the quality of identifications and the stability of the POSTIDENT system.  

POSTIDENT portal

  • POSTIDENT by post office will be purely digital by 30th September 2020!
    Benefit from the advantages of digitization early on. You won’t receive any paper forms for POSTIDENT by post office cases by 30th September 2020 at the latest. From this point of time you will receive identification data from the post office purely digital. Please adjust your processes on time. Further information and an option to contact our serviceteam can be found at www.postident.de/digitalisation.
  • Deactivation of the SHA1DSA algorithm for signature verification on the release rollout date
    The SHA1DSA algorithm, with which we sign the result files of our identification and signing processes, as well as video recordings will be deprecated since it no longer meets the currend security requirements. We will carry out the deactivation on July 14th 2020. From this date on, no signature files will be delivered with the SHA1DSA procedure, but only signature files according to the RSA-PSS (RSAASS-PSSS) procedure. We already announced this change in April 2019 and in May 2020.
    The certificate for RSA-PSS can be found on our website under "Digitales Zertifikat (RSAPSS) zur Überprüfung der in einer Datendatei enthaltenen Dokumente (Gültig: 27.03.2019 bis 25.03.2024)" or via this download link.
    In case you check signature files, you can only continue when switching to the RSA-PSS procedure.
  • Completion of the SMS text for the mTAN dispatch (video identifications)
    The SMS text of the video ident mTAN dispatch will be completed by the caseID as well as the name of the identifiying company.
    This enables easier orientation for the client and it improves security.
    SMS Sample text:
    "123456 ist die TAN für Ihre Identifizierung für Demobank im Vorgang JKE235789ZTR."
  • Adjustment in the result data portal
    The possibility to retrieve result data from the result data portal in json format is now available for all business customers,

POSTIDENT apps und websites

  • Improvement of usability for choice of identification method
    When clients repeatedly call up the portal that is used to select the identification method than the identification method that has been selected before will automatically unfold. This also applies when another device is being used for the identification. This way orientation is made easier for the client, the identification can be continued and completed more target-oriented.

    Example - Postident by post office unfolded:

POSTIDENT Portal

  • POSTIDENT by post office will be purely digital by 30th September 2020!
    Benefit from the advantages of digitization early on. You won’t receive any paper forms for POSTIDENT by post office cases by 30th September 2020 at the latest. From this point of time you will receive identification data from the post office purely digital. Please adjust your processes on time. Further information and an option to contact our serviceteam can be found at
    http://www.postident.de/digitalisation
  • Changes concerning result data for POSTIDENT by eID of the German national identity card
    - Result format JSON: Ident status „cancelled“ will be renamed to „declined“. As a result the wording is adapted to the wording that is used for other identification methods.
    - Result format CSV/XML: Result data are supplemented by the new status 205 for unsuccessful eID identifications.
    You find those changes in the interface descripitions on our download page:
    https://www.deutschepost.de/de/p/postident/downloads.html

POSTIDENT apps und websites

  • Language selection English for your clients (not available for E-Signing and POSTIDENT by photo)
    In the POSTIDENT apps and on the web pages (desktop) the language on the user interfaces is switched automatically to the language (German or English) set on the smartphone or computer.
    Manual selection is also possible.
    Additionally the customer can choose the language of the video chat with the call center agent.

(Example Android)

POSTIDENT Portal (general)

  • POSTIDENT by post office will be purely digital by 30th September 2020!
    Benefit from the advantages of digitization early on. You won’t receive any paper forms for POSTIDENT by post office cases by 30th September 2020 at the latest. From this point of time you will receive identification data from the post office purely digital. Please adjust your processes on time. Further information and an option to contact our serviceteam can be found at http://www.postident.de/digitalisation

POSTIDENT Portal Interface extension (SCR - REST API)

  • In the future the whole identification status (status, substatus, substatusreason) will be provided by POSTIDENT SCR interface in the case of an incomplete identification attempt (incomplete). As a result it will be easier to precisely understand, why a case is incomplete or has been interrupted.
  • The identification status incomplete will now also be shown for the identification method eID of the German national identity card. This will happen when for example the customer interrupts the identification process. Like in the other identification methods the identification can be restarted using the same case.
  • Extension to the result data: the data field nationality contains four further codes for refugees and stateless persons in addition to the supplement RKS.
    Codes according to ISO-3166 ALPHA-3 plus:
    - RKS for Kosovar
    - NEW: XXA for Stateless
    - NEW: XXB for Refugee (1951 Convention)
    - NEW: XXC for Refugee
    - NEW: XXX for Unspecified

    You will find all changes in detail in our interface description (guide 1 start and guide 2 result) at https://www.deutschepost.de/de/p/postident/downloads.html

POSTIDENT apps und websites

  • POSTIDENT app for Apple smartphones/ iPhones includes identification by eID of the German national identity card:
    - From April 2020
    the identification by eID is now also possible on iOS devices.
    (Picture: starting website for this identification method on the POSTIDENT portal)
    - For further information please visit POSTIDENT by eID
    - Information: if you already have a connection to the POSTIDENT portal and if you use digital methods for identification then the Identification by eID method can be added simply by being configurated by the serviceteam POSTIDENT.
    - Prerequisites for usage by your customers: iOS version 13.2 and higher, NFC functionality, POSTIDENT App
  • Language selection English for your customers (not available for E-Signing and POSTIDENT by photo)
    - From middle of April 2020; CHANGE (Status as of 17th April 2020): Due to a delay this feature will be available in Release 5.9 (Rollout 19th May 2020).
    - In the POSTIDENT apps and on the web pages (desktop) the language on the user interfaces will be switched automatically to the language that is configured on the smartphone. (manual selection is also possible)
    - Additionally the customer can choose the language of the video chat with the call center agent.
POSTIDENT Portal
 
  • POSTIDENT by post office will be purely digital by 30th September 2020!
    Benefit from the advantages of digitization early on. You won't receive any paper forms for POSTIDENT by post office cases by 30th September 2020 at the latest. Further information and an option to contact our serviceteam can be found at http://www.postident.de/digitalisation
  • New result data pdf
    A new result data pdf file for all Postident methods is introduced. The pdf contains two new subheadlines "Informationen zum Ergebnis" and "Informationen zum Identifikationsvorgang". Furthermore it has become a dynamic pdf, therefore the different data fields are not always shown in the same position. If a data field doesn't contain content it will not be shown on the result data pdf. The pdf is not suited for automatic data capture.
    Please forward the information concerning the new result data pdf to those speciality departments that use the pdf.

Example of the new result data pdf:

  • Anouncement of the provision of additional result data for Postident by post office
    From second quarter 2020 on there will be two new data fields provided by the result data pdf as well as by SCR-interface that describe the adress of the post office. In case it is configured, a user signiture (usersignature) will be delivered. These adjustments can be found in the technical documentation "Standard Connect & Result Ident REST API Guide 2 Result" in the subchapters AdditionalDataBasic and RecordResult on our download page.
    Those additional result data will in part be provided already by end of February but at that time they will not be available for all post offices.
  • Optimised Postident coupon via SCR
    The coupon of Postident by post office has been optimised and is now automatically available for customers connected via SCR.
POSTIDENT apps
 
  • Entry of the PIN has been simplified for Postident by eID when android devices are used.

Announcement

  • Changes of ident status information in release 5.8 (Rollout 24th March 2020)
    In the future the whole ident status (status, substatus, substatusreason) will be provided by SCR interface in case of status "incomplete". Thus it will be easier to precisely understand why an identification case is incomplete and has been interrupted.
    In case of fraud suspicion (status 11) the data field "remark" will be delivered in order zu enhance traceability of the reason for fraud suspicion.

POSTIDENT Portal

  • Date of expiry of the identification document will provided for eID identifications class GwG
    For the identification method Postident by eID of the German national identity card the attribute date of expiry will be provided additionally for class GwG (German Money Laundering Act).

Announcement

  • POSTIDENT by post office will be purely digital by 30th September 2020!
    Benefit from the advantages of digitization early on. You won’t receive any paper forms for POSTIDENT by post office cases by 30th September 2020 at the latest. Further information and an option to contact our serviceteam can be found at http://www.postident.de/Digitalisierung

 

POSTIDENT Portal

  • Implementation of the new eID certificate to support the class TKG (telecommunication)
    For the eID identification method a new authorisation certificate has been provided. Identification via eID can therefore be used by telecommunication service providers.

POSTIDENT Apps

  • Enhancing usability of the Postident app
    - Clients can now find the privacy terms within the Postident app.
    - When creating fotos during  a video- or photo identification session the client will now be supported by a frame and by textual instructions.

Announcement

  • POSTIDENT by post office will be purely digital by 30th September 2020!
    Benefit from the advantages of digitization early on. You won’t receive any paper forms for POSTIDENT by post office cases by 30th November 2020 at the latest. Further information and an option to contact our serviceteam can be found at www.postident.de/Digitalisierung

Information

  • The service POSTID for privat customers will be discontinued
    Deutsche Post has decided to discontinue the service POSTID by end of november 2019.
    POSTID enabled customers to save their identification information which has been collected during a Postident identification.
    The customers were able to authorize Deutsche Post AG in subsequent identification situations to pass on identification data without going through another identification process.
    The service will be discontinued because the demand for the use of the POSTID fell short of expectations.
    The Postident services für business clients to identify private clients by serveral identification methods remain unaffected and are available as usual.
    Deutsche Post will further invest in a market-oriented development of identification solutions and in an expansion of the product portfolio, among other things in the digital signature using POSTIDENT E-Signing and in mobile identification using eID.
POSTIDENT Portal
 
  • The following data has been removed from the result data set of TKG (Telecommunication) identifications in order to meet the privacy protection requirement of data economy: birthName, birthPlace, nationality, placeOfIssue
  • The landing page of postident by video chat has been adjusted visually. Identification with the use of the postident app is now shown more prominent than the possibility to identify via webbrowser since the user experience is better with the Postident app.

    An example is shown below:
POSTIDENT Apps
 
  • Postident by eID - Introduction of the possibility to change the transportation-PIN
    When receiving a new identity card a user also gets a PIN Mail with an initial transportation PIN (also called activation PIN). The user has to change the transportation PIN into a personally generated six digit PIN in order to use the eID for identification. In the new release this will be possible directly within the identification process.

    View of the screens when changing the PIN:

POSTIDENT Portal

  • New status values for Money Laundering Act compliant video identifications:
    - If the video recording for a video case is missing, in the future this case will be delivered as status 421 "declined" with substatus 19 "Identifizierung mit nicht behebbarem Datenproblem in Videochat-Aufzeichnung" (Non-Recoverable Dataproblem with the Video-Recording). This new substatus will only be delivered for future identification cases.
    - Recommendation: If the video case shows this substatus a new identification of the customer has to be started. Initiate a new case for the affected customer through your existing connection to the POSTIDENT portal.
    - You can see the details in the adjusted interface description you find on our download portal at https://www.deutschepost.de/de/p/postident/downloads.html
  • Change of the name for identification method by electronic identity card:
    - "nPA" is renamed as "eID"
    - Field name in the SCR result interface: In the identification result data file, which you receive for a Postident by nPA/eID case, the name of the field additionalDataNPaResult is renamed as additionalDataEidResult
    - The adjusted interface description you find in our download portal at https://www.deutschepost.de/de/p/postident/downloads.html.
  • Business clients belonging to the category "TKG" or "Standard" won't receive any videochat portrait pictures of their clients anymore. The portrait pictures will not be recorded, because capturing and delivering of the pictures is in those cases not required by regulation.

POSTIDENT Frontends

  • POSTIDENT by video chat:
    - Business clients subject to Money Laundering Act (category GwG):
    The person being identified takes temporary fotos of his identification document (front and back side) bevor the chat starts. Several pieces of information necessary for identification are automatically extracted from the taken pictures. The legitimacy of the identification document will be proofed. Afterwards the image data will be deleted. ID card pictures legally required for identification will still be taken by the call center agent during video identication.
    - Business clients not subject to Money Laundering Act (categories TKG or Standard):
    The person being identified takes fotos of his identification document (front and back side) bevor the chat starts. Several pieces of information necessary for identification are automatically extracted from the taken pictures. The legitimacy of the identification document will be proofed. In case the quality is sufficient the pictures of the identification document will be used in the result data set. If quality is insufficient, the pictures necessary for identification will by taken again by the call center agent during the video identification process. During the video identification session the agents make sure that the shown identification document matches the identification pictures made in advance.

POSTIDENT Portal

  • Change of substatus values for Postident by post office
    - Change: Substatus reason "118 Ausweisbilder nicht empfangen" will not be delivered with substatus 12 anymore. Instead of substatus 12 the data will be delivered with substatus 17: "Identifizierung mit nicht behebbarem Datenproblem in Ausweisdaten"
    - New: Substatus "18 Identifizierung mit nicht behebbarem Datenproblem in Scandaten"
    - Both substatus will be provided by the interface formats SST JSON, CSV 2.0 und XML 2.0 (additionally to substatus 11, 12, 16 which are already provided by those interface formats). No substatus information is delivered in CSV 1.3 and XML 1.3 data formats.
  • Relevant for users of the test environment: the domain postident-demo.deutschepost.de will be turned off in favour of the domain postident-itu.deutschepost.de
  • The post office ID where an identification has taken place is now always included as additional information in the result pdf. Until now it was already present for TKG based Identifications as well as results with potential fraud.
  • Announcement: New signature algorithm RSA-PSS for result data files of identification and e-signing cases. Replacement of the old algorithm SHA1DSA by RSA-PSS will be completed until may 2020. Meanwhile result data will be signed by the new as well as the old algorithm. Until May 2020 two signature files will be provided.

POSTIDENT Frontends

  • POSTIDENT iOS App requires the operating system iOS 11 or newer (iOS 10 will not be supported anymore)
  • POSTIDENT by video chat: Adjustment of supported browser: Chrome 71+, Firefox 64+ and Firefox 60 (support of Safari- und Opera is removed).

POSTIDENT Portal

  • The starting website of Postident by video chat appears in a new design in order to optimize the conversion. The clarity of the website has been improved and the visibility of the FAQs has been enhanced.
  • The technical requirements have been established for new types of identification documents in order to use travel documents for foreigners, refugees and stateless persons as well as ministerial and diplomatic passports for our services Postident by postoffice and in part Postident by video chat. Those new types of identification documents are allowed for Postident by video chat from 20th march 2019 and for Postident by post office in the second half of 2019.
    When processing your identification result data please consider that these new identification documents may appear (please see the updated interface description on the download website).
  • Announcement: With Postident Release 5.2 (Rollout 7th may 2019) new substatus values will be introduced for our services Postident by postoffice and Postident by video chat. Details will be announced by separate communication.
  • Announcement: At the beginning of May the certificate for signing identification result data as well as A/V recordings (also archived A/V recordings) will be changed.
    Details will be announced by separate communication.

E-Signing

  • E-Signing is supplemented with the stamp position by means of a machine readable PDF field in those documents that have to be signed.
  • A reminder e-mail for e-signing cases where Postident by video chat has not been completed (after 24 hours and 48 hours) will be sent. The e-mail will only be sent when the case is still valid for at least 2 hours.
  • Announcement: At the beginning of May the certificate for signing the signing result data will be changed for SFTP transmission.

POSTIDENT Apps

  • The android app has been supplemented by our service POSTIDENT by german national identity card. Money Laundering Act compliant identifications using the eID function of the german identity card can now be performed without using a separate card reader. The iOS App will follow as soon as the NFC interface is opened by Apple.
  • APP stability on newer iOS hardware has been improved.