Тhe state introduces the electronic identity
On May 11th 2016 the National Assembly passed the Electronic Identity Act, which will come into force after six months except several norms, which will take legal effect after longer period.
What does the act regulate?
The act regulates the electronic identification of natural persons and after it comes into force it will be possible for them to make electronic statements and to use information systems without the typical concern in the virtual reality, being the uncertainty about the counter-party’s identity.
The electronic identification is similar to presenting an Identity Card in the real world and which will enable the state and the business to know who they are communicating with online. By using the electronic identity an entity will be able to do electronic inquiries and requests and to “sign” electronic documents, unless a separate electronic signature is required (ex. empowerment).
Who will be able to obtain an electronic identity?
Bulgarian and foreign citizens possessing citizen identification number or personal number of foreigner shall have right to hold electronic identification, while minors over 14 years old can obtain electronic identity by applying for it together with their parents.
Who and how could issue the electronic identities?
Certificates of electronic identities will be issued by the Ministry of Interior in accordance with a procedure including filling an application and presenting an Identity Card. The locations where one may apply are not yet announced. It is possible for Bulgarian citizens living abroad to apply to either a Bulgarian Embassy or a Bulgarian Consulate. The certificates will expire five years after issuing, whereby the person can request renewal online. In order to use the electronic identity the holder must buy a smart-card reader, if it is saved on such token. The act permits one person to have multiple certificates, which can be saved on (activated by) different tokens such as separate smart cards, identity or bank cards and even on smart phones.
Is it possible to empower a proxy?
Any holder of an electronic identity can empower other person(s) to act on his behalf in the virtual reality either electronically which is free of charge or in notarized form where notary and electronic empowerment fees are payable.
Why is the act important?
The aim of the act is to create suitable setting for development of online trading and to improve public online services. The intended security measures, such as suspending a certificate if there is evidence of its unlawful usage, will lead to trust in the virtual reality and increase in supply and demand of online services.
The whole act can be found here.