Software developer ANVA's Innovation Lab has recently been experimenting with developing a secure messenger app. This app, Safebay, offers a solution to problems advisors are experiencing with the advent of the AVG, recent privacy scandals and slowly increasing consumer awareness of safe communication.
The AVG sets higher requirements for the secure exchange of confidential data. However, the privacy of communication via e-mail or instant messaging, such as WhatsApp, is not always guaranteed. 'We find that many of our customers are struggling with the question of which channels they can still use,' says Justin Schlee, strategic director at ANVA. 'Some of them have even switched back to physical mail.' Industry associations, such as Adfiz and the Royal Notarial Association (KNB) also indicate that the AVG raises question marks for many members. Not only in communications with clients, but also in communications between employees.
ANVA offers a solution to this with Safebay, started as an experiment of ANVA's Innovation Lab. It is a chat application that allows secure exchange of documents and data between advisor and client or between advisors. Users of the app have to identify themselves with iDIN, in time the possibility will be added to log in with the NotarisID, which is under development at the KNB. Because the identity of the parties is thus established, the user always knows with certainty who the sender or receiver is. As a result, this app can also be used for client agreement and the digital signing of contracts.
Data and documents exchanged through the app are transmitted and stored encrypted. Unlike other popular instant messengers, Safebay does not automatically store documents in the user's smartphone. In addition, the servers the app uses are governed by Dutch law and thus meet the guidelines set by DNB for hosting. This is what makes Safebay a secure alternative for exchanging privacy-sensitive information.
Safebay was recently tested by a major mortgage lender. They successfully went through a customer process using this solution. The app enables them to securely obtain and record online customer agreement on quotes and data. Trade associations Adfiz and Koninklijke Notariële Beroepsorganisatie are also investigating the initiative in order to recognize Safebay as a solution for the secure exchange of privacy-sensitive information.
'Because our experiment was received with such enthusiasm and we feel it is important for the market to have a secure alternative for exchanging privacy-sensitive information, we are developing the experiment further and making it available to the entire financial industry under the name Safebay,' says Justin Schlee. 'Using ANVA's other software, by the way, is not a requirement to use Safebay. Safebay is there for everyone, including mortgage brokers, notaries, brokers and other stakeholders.'
Safebay is currently being expanded with two components, blockchain and chatbots. The app is already 'blockchain-ready', with KNB now discussing deployment of the notarial blockchain.In addition, a chatbot has been integrated, which guides the customer during the customer journey. The layout of this chatbot is being designed in cooperation with Eerstestap.nl. Documents and agreements can then be compiled by the chatbot based on the "conversation" and recorded in the blockchain.
