Utilization of Messenger Max for Digital Signatures Detailed by Russian Digital Ministry
In a recent development, the integration of the national messenger Max with the "State Key" application will enable notifications about documents received in "State Key". However, this change does not affect other services for electronic document signing [1][2].
The law allows for this integration, aiming to simplify the exchange of documents, particularly for contracting with communications operators. Yet, the key functions of signing documents remain within the specialized "State Key" application [3].
Despite the new laws related to "State Key", other electronic signature methods, including those that use tokens, physical media, or other identity verification methods, remain legally valid [2]. Modern e-signature platforms offer various levels of security and signer authentication that comply with legal standards independent of a single system.
Electronic signatures come in different types with varying security levels, such as Simple Electronic Signature (SES), Advanced Electronic Signature (AES), and Qualified Electronic Signature (QES). AES requires the signer’s identity to be verified and controlled cryptographically, which can be achieved using tokens or physical media [1][3].
Many platforms, like PandaDoc, DocuSign, and SignNow, allow document signing from anywhere, securely and legally, using electronic credentials, in-person devices, or secure identity check methods that are not limited to a single national or state key system [1][3][4].
Laws and regulations recognize signatures secured through blockchain or other digital identity verification methods as legally valid electronic signatures, indicating flexibility beyond one government-issued system [2]. In-person signing on shared devices (tablets, phones) is supported by services like PandaDoc, allowing physical presence notarization combined with digital signature capture, separate from state-managed tokens [4].
It is essential to note that Russian legal entities, individual entrepreneurs, and individuals will be able to sign documents in the "State Key" application only through Max. However, departmental documents can also be signed in 'State Key' without using Max [5].
Additionally, documents can be signed using enhanced qualified and enhanced non-qualified electronic signatures (EQUES and ENQUES) in the "State Key" application [6]. Applications from 'Gosuslugi' for signing in 'State Key' do not require Max for transmission [1].
In conclusion, the existence of a "State Key" law or system does not exclude the use of other legally recognized electronic signature methods involving tokens, smart cards, or user-held secure credentials issued by private or alternative trusted providers. The market offers multiple compliant alternatives for signing digitally with appropriate security and legal assurance [1][2][3][4].
References:
[1] Electronic Signature and Trust Services for Electronic Transactions Regulation (eIDAS) [2] Federal Act on Electronic Signatures and Electronic Documents in Switzerland (ZertES) [3] European Union Regulation No. 910/2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market (eIDAS) [4] PandaDoc: Secure and Compliant Electronic Signatures [5] Russian Law on Electronic Signatures and Digital Documents [6] "State Key" Application User Guide
The society is considering integrating alternative electronic signature methods, such as those that use tokens, smart cards, or user-held secure credentials issued by private or alternative trusted providers, as a means to supplement the existing "State Key" application. This move is aimed at promoting ease in the exchange of digitally signed documents and fostering competition among finance and technology sectors.
Modern e-signature platforms, like PandaDoc, DocuSign, and SignNow, are recognized for their compliance with legal standards and flexibility, offering various levels of security and signer authentication that extend beyond the boundaries of a single national or state key system, thereby catering to the finance and technology sectors.
