IT and Authority: Law on Electronic signature adopted

March 25, 2011 the State Duma adopted the basic law “On Electronic signature”. Electronic signature covers information in digital form which can be used to identify a signer - natural or legal person.

Vice Chairperson of the Committee for Financial Market of the State Duma, Liana Pepelyaeva, clarified that the former law “On electronic digital signature” had drawbacks which prevented wide introduction of this tool in Russia. “Current law, in particular, stipulates only one technology of the Electronic signature, and does not allow electronic signature for legal persons”, she mentioned. In addition, in many respects its provisions do not correspond to basic principles implemented in foreign law.

The new document approved by the State Duma eliminates these flaws. In particular, it specifies three types of electronic signature: standard/simple, reinforced and the most protected one – qualified – electronic signature. “In this case the authenticity of the electronic signature is guaranteed by reliable means, Ms Pepelyaeva stressed. – These means must comply with statutory requirements and contain elements of cryptography”.

Besides, the law regulates issue and use of signature key certificates, verification of Electronic signature, accreditation and provision of services of certification authorities.

Another Vice Chairman of the Committee for Financial Market, Yuri Isayev, highlighted that “the new law regulates relations on the use of electronic signature when performing civil transactions, rendering public and municipal services, executing state and municipal functions, and conducting any other legal actions”.