VERY FEW business people in Slovakia are willing to e-mail critical documents or file electronic tax returns, and most don't trust guarantees and proofs of electronic signature safety, according to the daily Pravda.
Only about 300 Slovaks currently use electronic signatures even though they have been available for purchase in the country for 15 months, reports the daily.
Compared to Western Europe, where e-signatures are used even in governmental transactions, the number of Slovak users is extremely low.
Slovaks are still unable to use e-signatures for communicating with the state administration, apart from with the Tax Directorate.
Taxpayers can now file via the Internet, and can even encrypt the document with their e-signature.
The fact that government bureaus are unpopular, in general, may actually promote the use of e-signatures. Citizens are more likely to apply for, or renew, a driver's licence or identity card via the Internet than stand in line at an office.
Compiled by Beata Balogová from press reports
TheSlovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the informationpresented in its Flash News postings.
