Trade department presents rules for registration of ‘digital signature’

The trade department has laid down rules for the registration of "digital signatures," a key component that will allow officials to prove their identity online and thus enable government services to be transacted over the Internet. Interested users or their representatives will have to file with a "registration authority" documents to verify their identity before the digital signature can be issued, stated the department administrative order 11-01 which was published on Friday. These documents are: a birth certificate printed on security paper, a taxpayer identification number, one unified multi-purpose identification compliant card or two valid ID cards with photo and signature, a valid address supported by a copy of the latest utility bill. The rules will guide the implementation of Executive Order 810 series of 2009 which aims to provide government transactions online in a secure manner and empowers all agencies "providing e-government services" to process requests for such digital signatures. The EO had also allowed private sector entities to secure digital signatures but their use would be limited for transactions with the government only and not yet for general e-commerce. The department order went on to detail guidelines for renewing the validity of a digital signature which has a life for only a year for security purposes. "[And] violations committed against the [Electric Commerce Act of 2000, Access Devices Regulation Ac of 1998 or Consumer Act of the Philippines] in relation to the use and issuance of digital certificates shall be subject to the penalties applicable under said laws and their implementing rules," the department order added. It will take effect on March 12. -- Jessica Anne D. Hermosa, BusinessWorld