BULGARIA’S PARLIAMENT ADOPTS LAW ON ELECTRONIC IDENTIFICATION

Bulgaria’s Parliament passed at second reading the law on electronic identification on 11th of May.

In certain sectors of the government such as finances, healthcare and social activities, individuals will be able to identify by sectoral electronic identifiers and use electronic services.

Based on electronic identifier, one person will be possible to be distinguished from other persons in the virtual environment in order to provide access to information systems or to make electronic statements. All Bulgarian and foreign citizens aged 14 or above who have a personal identification number or personal number of a foreigner will be entitled to electronic identifier.

The certificates for electronic identity will be issued by the Bulgarian Minister of Interior on the basis of written application submitted by the individuals. The application will be possible to be submitted also through a registered administrator of electronic identity or through Bulgarian diplomatic or consulate representation.

The certificate for electronic identity will be issued for a period of validity of 5 years and will be entered in a MoI register.

Personal electronic identifier will be introduced within a year and a half. Through it, Bulgarian citizens aged 14 and above will be able to identify themselves in the internet. One of the purposes of the adopted law on electronic identification is higher effectiveness of the electronic governance and provision of security for the electronic transactions.  Electronic voting is also foreseen to be based on the identifier.

It is not yet decided on what document the chip with the information would be embedded. The suggestion by the Reformist bloc to embed it in the personal ID cards or international passports was rejected. From the main ruling party GERB expect this issue to be resolved after changes in the law on personal ID documents.