1.2 million electronic signature certificates were issued in the first three months of this year

In the first three months of this year, 1.2 million electronic signature certificates were issued, marking a 65.5% growth. The Electronic Commerce Development Center (ECDC) predicts that more than five million electronic signature certificates will be issued this year.

According to the Public Relations Office of the Electronic Commerce Development Center (ECDC), Reza Javadinia, Deputy of Public Key Infrastructure and Commercial Information Security at ECDC, stated: In the first quarter of 1403 [March 2024 to June 2024], approximately 1.2 million electronic signature certificates were issued within the national Public Key Infrastructure, reflecting a growth of more than 65.5% compared to the same period last year.

Referring to the actions taken in this regard, he said: Various measures have been undertaken by this center to promote the adoption of electronic signatures, including the expansion of intermediary centers operating within the national Public Key Infrastructure and the improvement of service levels at these centers. The Electronic Commerce Development Center, according to the Executive Regulations of Article 32 of the Electronic Commerce Law and Clause 7 of Article 3 of its statute, is responsible for promoting the adoption of electronic signatures in the country.

He also mentioned the steps taken in recent years to facilitate and expedite the process of obtaining electronic certificates. He said: The issuance of electronic signature certificates for individuals and organizations in the country began with the establishment of the first intermediary center in 1389 [2010]. Since 1399 [2020], with the capability to issue electronic certificates via mobile platforms, we have witnessed a significant increase in the issuance and use of digital signatures across various applications and systems.

The Deputy of Public Key Infrastructure and Commercial Information Security at ECDC continued: The highest number of electronic certificates issued was in 1402 [2023], with over 4.25 million digital signature certificates issued within the national Public Key Infrastructure.

Referring to the issuance of approximately 1.2 million electronic signature certificates in the first quarter of 1403 and the 65.5% growth compared to the same period last year, he said: With the addition of two new private intermediary centers to the active intermediary centers since the beginning of 1403, we expect to see substantial growth in the issuance and adoption of digital signatures in the country, and for the first time, the number of electronic certificates issued in a year is expected to exceed five million.