From having digital signatures to using digital signatures.
Over the years, digital signatures have become a familiar tool in the operations of state agencies. In Da Nang , almost 100% of officials and civil servants have used official digital signatures; the exchange of electronic documents between agencies is almost entirely done electronically (except for classified documents).
However, according to the Department of Science and Technology, currently only about 35% of adults have digital signatures, and the rate of their use in actual transactions remains quite low. Meanwhile, the city's target for 2026 is for 50% of adults to have digital signatures and use them in transactions with government agencies, businesses, and among citizens.
Recently, the Department of Science and Technology developed a nationwide digital signature subsystem integrated into the Digital Citizen Platform ecosystem (congdanso.danang.gov.vn) and the Danang Smart City application. According to Mr. Tran Ngoc Thach, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology, popularizing digital signatures is not only a technological task but also a process of building "digital trust" in society. More importantly, the popularization aims to create electronic transactions that people actually need to use every day.
After researching and trying out the digital signature feature on the Danang Smart City application, Mr. Pham Quoc Huy (Ban Thach ward) assessed that, if widely developed, personal digital signatures would bring many benefits and gradually replace the habit of using paper documents. Priority areas for expansion should focus on public services, electricity, water, telecommunications, education , healthcare, and other high-frequency services for citizens. When people can sign documents directly on their phones to handle their affairs, digital signatures will truly demonstrate their core value.
Start from the practical needs.
One of the applications expected to create a major transformation is remote digital signatures in the healthcare sector. A nationwide digital signature system allows hospitals to send links via SMS along with electronic records. Family members simply open their phones, authenticate, and digitally sign, after which the document is immediately sent back to the hospital to continue the examination and treatment process. The entire process takes place online, shortening time, reducing travel costs, and ensuring that treatment is not delayed.
Currently, this solution is being implemented at Da Nang Psychiatric Hospital for various types of documents such as: surgical consent forms, hospital admission forms, transfer forms, discharge consent forms, etc. On average, nearly 1,000 remote digital signatures are processed there each month. Mr. Tran Ngoc Thach added that, not limited to the healthcare sector, this subsystem also allows citizens to sign electronic documents for administrative applications, document verification, document storage in personal data repositories, and reuse when needed.
Notably, citizens can choose from two different signing methods. Of these, digital signing using a chip-embedded Citizen Identity Card is the most suitable method for most people as it does not require prior registration with any service provider and is completely free.
Users simply scan the QR code on their Citizen Identity Card, scan the NFC chip, and perform facial authentication once; the system will automatically issue the certificate and complete the signing process directly on their phone. Alternatively, citizens can also sign through licensed public digital signature providers (VNPT-CA, Viettel-CA, FPT-CA, BkavCA, MISA CA, CMC-CA, EasyCA, VNPAY-CA…).
The nationwide digital signature system has been tested, evaluated, and refined with feedback from the National Electronic Authentication Center before widespread deployment. Simultaneously, the city is coordinating with the center and businesses to issue digital signatures to citizens, combined with local-level communication campaigns.
To ensure effective adoption, authorities recommend expanding the e-commerce ecosystem with the participation of electricity, water, and telecommunications companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, and local governments at the commune and ward levels. Integrating digital signatures into everyday transactions will contribute to reducing paperwork, saving social costs, and thus creating a solid foundation for building trust in the digital environment.
Source: https://baodanang.vn/dua-chu-ky-so-vao-doi-song-3342803.html
