The period of validity of the electronic signature, issued by the competent authority of the Republic of Moldova, was extended from two to five years. The news was announced today, 14 December 2021, at the press conference, organized by the Government, by the Deputy Prime Minister for Digitalization, Iurie Turcanu and the Director of the Information Technology and Cyber Security Service, Gheorghe Pantaz.

The authorities informed the public about the extension of the validity period of the public key certificate, and explained the advantages and benefits of the actions taken in this regard.

The Deputy Prime Minister for Digitalization, Iurie TURCANU, spoke at the conference about the importance of electronic identity, about the ongoing improvement of the digital infrastructure, and about the need to increase the level of accessibility and quality of electronic services for citizens.

The official said: "We take another step towards the modernization of public services. From now on, electronic signature certificates will be issued for a period of up to 5 years. The extension of the validity period to 5 years entails accessible and efficient electronic services for all users. The Government of the Republic of Moldova gives priority to digitalization, which is proved by the undertaken relevant commitments and planned actions that are part of the Government's Activity Plan. We are consistent in everything we do and we deliver on our promises to the citizens".

In the context of extending the validity of the electronic signature, the Director of the Information Technology and Cyber Security Service (STISC) mentioned that this measure is more convenient to users and facilitates their access to electronic public services. The action aims to reduce the costs of using the electronic signature for its holders, as well as to enhance the widespread use and implementation of electronic services in the Republic of Moldova. Such actions contribute to the alignment of the Republic of Moldova to the EU recommendations and standards, while simplifying the access to electronic services and overcoming the barriers of interaction between citizens and the government.

The price for purchasing the public key with a validity of up to five years is 650 lei, while persons holding an electronic signature valid for up to two years can use it until its expiry. So far, STISC has issued about 200 thousand electronic signature certificates to users from various fields of activity, natural and legal persons, as well as businesses.

Also, at the press conference, certificates for free registration of electronic signatures were offered to 15 journalists, members of the Press Club for Digital Transformation. The e-Governance Agency and the Information Technology and Cyber Security Service have earlier announced about this offer at the second meeting of the Press Club. The action is aimed at enhancing journalists' access to electronic signatures, given the key role of the media in informing the society and educating internet users about the acceptance, uptake and use of online resources.

At the same time, the Deputy Prime Minister for Digitalization mentioned: "Media representatives are our allies in promoting electronic services, they help us disseminate the information about electronic services to every citizen here and abroad, so that people understand the benefits of remote interaction, and most importantly, in terms of impact, is that everyone should feel free, while acting remotely, from any corner of the world, by using the electronic signature".

A number of new digital products, which are expected to be launched soon, were also announced at the conference. Among them, the most expected is the new electronic signature tool using the mobile phone and the mutual recognition of the digital signature among the European Union countries. It also refers to the recognition by the European Union of the digital signature issued by a Moldovan authority and vice versa.

Persons willing to hold an electronic signature can access www.semnatura.md to receive all the information about how to obtain it.