Sejm passes electronic signature law in recognition of Internet economy

After almost two years of preparation, last Friday the Sejm passed the law on electronic signatures, making them legally equivalent to handwritten signatures. Banks have been eagerly awaiting the new law, which will enable all banking transactions to be conducted over the Internet and will make electronic deals much more secure than they have been until now. All other businesses and institutions will be able to finalize various types of transactions over the Internet. Individuals and companies willing to use an electronic signature will obtain their private encryption codes from certification companies, who will be granted permits by the government administration or other public institutions, such as the National Bank of Poland (NBP). (Gazeta Wyborcza, July 28-29, p.26) T.J.