IDDEEA free electronic signatures restored in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Citizens and legal entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina can once again access free qualified electronic signatures issued by the Agency for Identification Documents, Records and Data Exchange (IDDEEA). This follows a decision by the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 15 to temporarily suspend the enforcement of a ruling by the Personal Data Protection Agency.

The Personal Data Protection Agency had previously banned IDDEEA and the Indirect Taxation Administration from processing personal data for the purpose of issuing these signatures. IDDEEA initiated an administrative dispute and requested a stay of execution, which the Court granted pending a final judicial decision.

The free service is available to citizens, legal representatives of companies, craftsmen, independent entrepreneurs, directors, and accountants. The electronic signature carries the same legal weight as a handwritten signature, facilitating digital public services. While the court's decision allows the service to continue, it has not yet ruled on the ultimate legality of the data protection agency's original ban.