Trusted Profile (PZ) and Qualified Electronic Signature (KPE) are two different tools for verifying the identity of users and authorizing documents in a digital environment. Both are used in Poland and have their specific features and applications. Here are the main differences between them:
- Legal status:
- Trusted Profile is a service that allows confirming the user's identity when dealing with public administration and electronically signing documents in a way that is accepted by Polish offices. It is primarily recognized in Poland.
- Qualified electronic signature complies with the regulation eIDAS and has the same legal force as a handwritten signature throughout the European Union. This is an international solution.
- Security and technology:
- Trusted Profile relies on security features such as login and password, as well as one-time access codes sent by SMS or generated by the app.
- Qualified electronic signature uses secure signature creation devices (QSCDs) and certificates issued by qualified trust service providers (QTSPs), which provides a higher level of security.
- Cost:
- Trusted Profile is available free of charge to citizens and residents of Poland.
- Qualified electronic signature is chargeable, and its price depends on the trust provider and the scope of services.
- Application:
- Trusted Profile It is primarily used in dealings with public administration in Poland, such as for logging in to the platform ePUAP, filing PIT returns online, scheduling appointments at government offices, etc.
- Qualified electronic signature has broader applications, including business, international trade, banking, and dealing with government.
- Acceptance:
- Trusted Profile is mainly accepted by Polish institutions and has limited acceptance outside the country.
- Qualified electronic signature is accepted throughout the European Union and often in other countries as well, making it more versatile internationally.
- Sustainability and renewability:
- Trusted Profile is usually valid for a certain period of time (currently 3 years) and must be renewed.
- Qualified electronic signature usually has a specific validity period (e.g. 1-3 years) depending on the supplier's policy, after which it also requires renewal.
