Enhancing E-authentication and E-signature across ASEAN: Building Interoperable Frameworks for Seamless Digital Transactions

The ASEAN Agreement on Electronic Commerce mandates ASEAN Member States (AMS) to implement electronic authentication in line with international standards, aiming for interoperable e-authentication across the region by 2025. The establishment of national legal frameworks is crucial for the validity and exchange of electronic records and signatures, with some AMS already adopting United Nations Commission on International Trade Law model law-influenced legislation. Three regulatory models for e-signature exist globally – prescriptive, minimalist, and two-tiered – each with distinct implications for security and flexibility. Successful e-authentication adoption involves legislative, administrative, and technological integration, along with user acceptance. Implementation status in the Asia-Pacific region correlates with gross domestic product per capita and overall capacity. Cross-border interoperability, particularly under a two-tiered approach, is essential for seamless e-signature adoption. Policy recommendations include ensuring ASEAN-wide interoperability; impact analysis on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises; flexible implementation timelines; capacity building; and maintaining updated e-signature information on the ASEAN portal. Latest Articles