BankID forces elderly to buy new mobile phones

On March 1, BankID raised its security requirements, which resulted in older phones that no longer receive system updates being unable to use the service. This has caused headaches for many seniors. At BankID, they are aware of the problems and claim to be doing what they can.

One company that has noticed the increased security requirements is Telestore, where many pensioners call for help reinstalling BankID or transferring content from their old phone. In the first week of March, the company received up to 20 calls a day.

Telestore initially started as a physical store, where customers could get help with their phones on site, but today they operate entirely digitally.

BankID’s security requirements are regularly raised and become incompatible with older phones that no longer receive system updates. This causes problems for the elderly, who often have nowhere else to turn as banks close branches and personal services. What remains are online guides.

Telestore has also created a guide and published it on YouTube, but it’s not always enough for all the required steps.

Many new phones today lose security updates and system support after just a few years. The phone can still be used, but is no longer considered secure enough for services such as BankID.

BankID apologizes

Since March 1, BankID requires Android 9 or later, or iOS 16 or later.

“We strive to offer BankID on as many devices as possible. But when a platform no longer receives security updates, the security level becomes too low,” writes Charlotte Pataky, press officer at Finansiell ID-Teknik BID AB, the developer of BankID, to Realtid.

“We regret that some users are affected, but BankID is the key to your money and must be protected,” she continues.

According to Pataky, they are aware that it is not always easy for the elderly to keep up with technological developments, and refer to collaborations with both banks and senior organizations such as SPF Seniorerna and PRO to spread knowledge. They also have close cooperation with crime prevention authorities to disseminate information.