Goodbye Public Certificate... Year-End Tax Settlement Speeds Up

Public Certification Discontinued from November
Increase in Choice of Private Institution Authentication Services Expected

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] The 'public' certification system, which has been synonymous with inconvenience and hassle, will change starting this November. Until now, only government-designated 'public' certification authorities have issued electronic commerce seals, but from now on, private companies such as commercial banks and telecommunications companies will also be able to issue them.

On the 5th, the government announced the legislative notice for amendments to three information protection-related laws that strengthen the security of electronic signatures following the abolition of the public certification system. This is a follow-up measure related to the national agenda of 'abolishing unnecessary public certification procedures.' The amended laws include ▲establishing a foundation for introducing new technology electronic signatures, ▲creating grounds for information protection certification, and ▲revising the designation and evaluation procedures for major information and communication infrastructure.

The amended laws present specific procedures and methods to evaluate the reliability and security of electronic signature services. They also specify standards and methods for subscriber identity verification. This effectively establishes guidelines to ensure that private institutions conducting certification work comply with personal information protection and standard criteria. Based on these contents, the government plans to hold an online public hearing on the 11th to gather opinions. A Ministry of Science and ICT official said, "Once the Electronic Signature Act and its subordinate statutes are amended, competition in the electronic signature market will be activated, enhancing convenience for the public."

The public certification is called a kind of 'electronic commerce seal certificate.' Since the Electronic Signature Act was enforced in 1999, it has expanded throughout daily life, including year-end tax settlements, internet banking, securities, insurance, electronic bidding, internet payments and fees, and housing subscription. Applying for emergency disaster relief funds online also requires a public certification. According to the Korea Internet & Security Agency, as of August last year, the number of public certification issuances in Korea reached approximately 41.08 million.

However, it became synonymous with inconvenience and hassle because users had to go through complicated procedures, including installing security programs and identity verification. Problems such as market monopoly and hindrance to the development of electronic signature technology and services were also raised. Accordingly, the government passed the Electronic Signature Act to allow private companies to perform public certification tasks. The amended law will take effect from November, and from then on, users can continue to use the existing public certification or switch to private certification authorities.