Designing e-Government for the Poor - Tanzania Development ...

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Public key infrastructure initiatives for e-Asia
Figure 7. Methods of identification and authentication
best method of ensuring identification and authentication. Mr. Hwangbo
provided a brief overview of the operation mechanism of a PKI system. He
said that in the past, encryption was done through algorithms. However,
algorithm method is not possible for cyber transactions. Therefore, current
encryption mechanisms are based on a key system. In the case of the
Republic of Korea, PKI is divided into two systems: a government PKI,
and national PKI. Such a system includes a certificate authority system that
provides accredited digital certificates ensuring the safety of online transactions.
Mr. Hwangbo emphasized that although digital certificate structure
may be different depending on the situation of individual country, the
acceptance of PKI is a must in the era of information society. However,
successful implementation of a PKI system requires not only technology,
but necessitates legislation and appropriate applications.
Due to time limitations, Mr. Hwangbo very briefly discussed cyber
taxation in e-Asia. He said that the Internet has had a significant impact on
tax administration, providing opportunities as well challenges. The challenges
are difficulty of identity, obscure jurisdiction, difficulty of proof,
obscure tax point, move to tax haven, and offshore banking. Such challenges
create a serious dilemma in which tax evasion results in financial
losses for a country. In conclusion, Mr. Hwangbo said that it is necessary
to collaborate among Asian countries. In collaboration, proposals for relevant
technology should be submitted to the Committee on Fiscal Affairs
of OECD. Lastly, test-beds of Asian countries for global electronic commerce
need to be established.