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Numbers may join names as sign of the times

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Personal identification numbers, or Pins, will be given the same legal status as signatures on some government documents, according to proposals to promote electronic transactions.

E-mail will also be allowed to be used to transmit information that is currently required to be submitted by post or in person, a paper for a review of the Electronic Transactions Ordinance says.

Information Technology and Broadcasting Bureau deputy secretary Alan Siu Yu-bun said the amendment would apply to documents such as tax returns, which now must be signed.

Under the plan, which will undergo public consultation until April 30, the Bureau would issue certificates for those wishing to use a Pin. The number could be an alternative to a signature, but would not replace it entirely.

Mr Siu said the system would be applied first to the filing of tax returns. It could later be used for rate assessments and complaints.

Under the e-mail proposal, documents such as employment records or official forms could be filed electronically.

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