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. The Pin system is already commonly used in banking transactions. It can be used in government transactions in Australia, Singapore, Britain and the United States. University of Hong Kong criminologist Dr Roderick Broadhurst said he was in favour of the proposals because of the high security offered. 'In theory they are breakable, but even if you wanted to crack a Pin it would take days of sitting in front of the computer,' he said. He stressed the system's security hinged on the human element. 'The only thing is if that system is compromised by corrupt officials who issue the official certificates - but even then the security of these systems is very impressive,' he added. schwartz@scmp.com
