Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The Law on Electronic Digital Signature (EDS) was signed by the President of Uzbekistan.

The law regulates relations in the field of the use of electronic digital signature. It is recognized that an electronic digital signature is equivalent to a handwritten signature.

The Ministry for the Development of Information Technologies and Communications is the authorized state body in the field of using EDS.

Relations between the EDS registration center and persons in the field of using EDS are carried out on a contractual basis.

Issuance of an EDS key or registration of its certificate shall not exceed one business day.

Persons with an EDS key will have free access to all types of public services that require an EDS.

Individuals and legal entities may have several EDS keys. Registration of the certificate of each EDS key is carried out separately in accordance with the established procedure.

The validity period of the EDS key certificate must not exceed 24 months from the date of registration. At the same time, the validity period of the certificate of the electronic digital signature key can be extended for a period not more than two times.

Citizens of Uzbekistan abroad, as well as foreign individuals and legal entities and stateless persons can obtain an EDS key certificate through consular offices, as well as consular departments of diplomatic missions.

The law enters into force three months after its official publication.