Digital signatures are currently most commonly used for tax filings, electronic customs, and social insurance transactions.
As of November 21, more than 12.4 million digital signature certificates have been issued to Vietnamese adults, accounting for over 20% of the country's adult population.
In the "Digital Infrastructure Strategy to 2025 with Orientation to 2030," the Prime Minister identified four core components of Vietnam's digital infrastructure: telecommunications and Internet, data infrastructure, physical-digital infrastructure, and utility-digital and technology-as-a-service infrastructure.
The strategy emphasizes that digital signatures and their authentication are key components of the utility-digital infrastructure. One of its objectives is for over 50% of the adult population to have a digital or electronic signature by 2024, and more than 70% by 2030.
According to the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), the standing body of the National Committee for Digital Transformation, by November 21, 2024, 12.44 million digital signature certificates had been issued to Vietnamese adults.
Limited applications for personal digital signatures
Currently, digital signatures are primarily used in fields like tax declaration and payment, electronic customs, and social insurance. However, potential areas like banking and online shopping have yet to see widespread adoption.
Efforts to provide digital signatures have so far outpaced the development of supportive environments and applications. Measures to encourage or mandate their use remain insufficient.
To boost personal digital signature adoption, the MIC suggests that organizations and businesses develop platforms to facilitate digital signing in various fields such as banking, e-commerce, healthcare, education, real estate, and online trading.
Additionally, personal digital signatures should be integrated into user-friendly applications such as email, document management systems, and online transaction platforms.
Raising awareness and accessibility
Ministries, sectors, and local authorities are urged to promote the benefits and convenience of digital signatures through public campaigns and training programs. Online tutorials could make it easier for citizens to access and use digital signatures.
Experts have also emphasized the need for comprehensive measures to popularize digital signatures. According to Vu The Binh, Vice President and Secretary-General of the Vietnam Internet Association, merely offering free digital signatures is not a sustainable solution.
Instead, creating demand through expanded online services requiring digital signatures is more effective. "When more services require digital signatures, demand will naturally rise, and people will start using them," Binh stated.
Ngo Tuan Anh, Vice President of the Vietnam Information Security Association, highlighted the importance of increasing acceptance of digital signatures across sectors, including administrative transactions, stock trading, and online public services.
He noted that successful initiatives, such as the General Department of Taxation's transition to fully electronic tax filing, demonstrate how clear policies and timelines can drive adoption.
Ambitious goals for the future
At an event celebrating the National Electronic Authentication Center's (NEAC) 10th anniversary, the Ministry of Information and Communications tasked the NEAC and industry associations with rapidly expanding the use of digital signatures.
The ministry aims to ensure that all Vietnamese adults have personal digital signatures by 2025, marking a significant challenge for the country's digital transformation efforts.
