The Law on Electronic Signatures is expected to further regulate the use of online documents and electronic signatures in China. The draft law calls for the establishment of an online authentication system and is designed to safeguard Internet-based transactions and legalize the implementation of e-business and e-government applications.
Under the system, a total of over 40 departments and enterprises of government ministries will handle purchase of good sand services as well as tender sales and quotations.
While the development of electronic-government initiatives is still in the early stages in China, IDC Internet research manager Nathan Midler said significant improvement is being seen in areas such as digitalising administrative processes.
The strategy has eight main areas of action which include providing a more integrated structure to map out IT policies and strategies, driving the e-government program, championing the development of new applications and services, promoting IT adoption by business and the community, and fostering the development of the IT industry.
In Shenzhen, southern Guangdong Province, the local legislature recently issued a circular on shenzhen.net.cn, asking citizens to contribute suggestions for its legislative work this year.