Today, more and more official matters can be handled online. Platforms such as ePUAP, tools like the Trusted Profile or the e-Delivery service allow citizens to save time and avoid visits to offices. While all of these services aim to facilitate communication between citizens and the public administration, they are often confused or considered to be the same thing. In this article, we will take a look at what is the difference between ePUAP, Trusted Profile, e-Delivery box and qualified electronic signature.
ePUAP, or the Electronic Platform for Public Administration Services, is an online platform that allows citizens and businesses to handle official matters online. On ePUAP one can:
To use ePUAP, you need an account, which can be created on the platform's website.
A Trusted Profile is a tool for confirming identity online. It is necessary to use many online government services (!) including ePUAP - it only applies to public administration. The Trusted Profile works like an electronic signature, which means that we can use it to sign documents and submit applications in digital form.
To set up a Trusted Profile, you can:
The Trusted Profile is valid for 3 years, but can be renewed free of charge.
The e-Communication box is a relatively new service that was introduced as part of the digitization of public administration in Poland. Its purpose is to enable secure electronic exchange of correspondence between citizens, companies and offices. The key features of e-Delivery are:
In order to use e-Delivery, you need to set up a box on the Gov.pl platform, either through applications that support this function or through the using the service offered by the platform podpisano.pl.
podpisano.pl enables quick and intuitive establishment of an e-Delivery box, combining administrative functionality with a convenient interface. This service is particularly useful for people who want to reduce traditional paper correspondence.
Qualified electronic signature is an advanced digital tool that allows documents to be signed in a way that has the legal force equivalent to a handwritten signature. It is issued by accredited certification centers and can be used not only in dealing with public administration, but also in the private sector, such as in business contracts. The ability to to obtain a qualified electronic signature is also offered by the platform podpisano.pl, which provides a fast and convenient process for its establishment.
Qualified electronic signature:
Unlike the Trusted Profile, a qualified electronic signature is recognized throughout the European Union and can be used in situations requiring a higher level of security.
No, using any of these services depends on your needs. If you handle official matters occasionally, you may only need a Trusted Profile and an account on ePUAP. If you care about exchanging correspondence electronically, you may want to consider setting up an e-Delivery box. For more advanced business or international applications, a qualified electronic signature will be the best choice.
In summary, ePUAP, Trusted Profile, e-Delivery and Qualified Electronic Signature are four different elements of digital administration and communication that can complement each other, offering users a wide range of possibilities.
