This is not entirely correct. The eID can be read without the PIN. There is a six digit CAN (card access number) printed on the front that can be used to read t

This is not entirely correct. The eID can be read without the PIN. There is a six digit CAN (card access number) printed on the front that can be used to read the card online, but legally only for cases where an agent checks your identity instead. It's more of an easy way to copy most of the data that is printed on the card (some information such as sex, eye color, height is not digitally available to online services). It's mostly a way to prevent mistakes from copying and to check validity.