Moldova is introducing a new type of electronic signature, the enhanced electronic signature, which will be accessible from a cell phone thanks to the development of the EVOSign service.
The government made a decision to this effect by amending its previous decrees aimed at strengthening the state's digital identification ecosystem. The amendments stipulate that the EVOSign service will increase the digital interaction between the private sector and the public sector, facilitate authentication and access within state information systems and shorten the duration of public services. According to the government, the authentication and signature tool will be launched in the form of an enhanced electronic signature, it will identify the signatory and it can be used in most relations with the state. Also, the EVOsign service will introduce remote identification methods, thus increasing access to digital services for all Moldovan citizens, including those who are outside the country. "Let us also take care of the experience of users from the Diaspora, so that it will be easy for them to access public services," Prime Minister Dorin Recean said. According to statistics in late 2023, about 250,000 people had a qualified electronic signature and digital identification, which is less than 10% of Moldova's adult population. According to the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, the government will strengthen the government's digital identity ecosystem by introducing EVOSign as a free tool for the creation and use of enhanced electronic signatures. Thanks to the decision taken by the government, the conditions are created to launch EVOSign and provide access to it through a free mobile application, offering citizens a simple and convenient way to authenticate and access electronic public services, as well as for use in civil relations, if the parties accept its use. The eGovernance Agency will be responsible for managing EVOsign's infrastructure as a non-qualified trust service provider. This step aims at increasing and diversifying the types of electronic signatures available in Moldova, democratizing access to electronic identification and digital public services for all Moldovan citizens, both at home and abroad. According to the Law on Electronic Identification and Trust Services, there are qualified and enhanced electronic signatures. Qualified electronic signature (flash drive or SIM card) - provides a higher degree of security, is equal to a holographic signature and is recognized in all relations between the state and citizens. Enhanced electronic signatures (EVOSign) allow identifying the signatory and can be used in most relations with the state, except for: application to electronic documents containing information constituting state secrets; application of electronic documents in legal relations of legal entities of public law with individuals and legal entities of private law. According to the data of the National Bureau of Statistics, there are currently more than 2.5 million people living in Moldova. At the same time, according to the Diaspora Relations Bureau, more than 1 million citizens live abroad. Of these, only about 260 thousand citizens have electronic signatures and, accordingly, can access public services in digital format. It is planned that the launch of EVOsign will significantly expand access to digital public services and facilitate citizens' access to them. Later, EVOsign will integrate a remote identification service, eKYC, which will allow users to obtain an enhanced electronic signature without having to physically travel for identification, as is currently the case with qualified electronic signatures (thumb drive or SIM card). // 24.04.2024 - InfoMarket.
