Every Estonian holds a state-issued digital identity and can provide digital signatures using their ID-card, Mobile-ID or Smart-ID, so they can safely identify themselves and use e-services. The signatures are considered equal with physical signatures and legally binding within the EU.
“Estonia has always been a seafaring nation, but now we are also a well-known digital nation. For a digital society, geography doesn’t matter anymore – we can use our digital ID to do business, run the country and communicate with our close ones wherever we are in the world,” president Kaljulaid said after signing the resolution.
While only a fraction of the Antarctic is covered with the infrastructure usually needed for an Internet connection, President Kaljulaid can be reached there at all times. Data and phone connections are provided by a device developed in collaboration by Iridium and Thales, allowing president Kaljulaid to access the Internet and therefore digitally sign documents anywhere in the world, even in places without a fixed (or cellular) Internet connection. a
The President of Estonia is currently in Antarctica to commemorate the 200. anniversary of the discovery of Antarctica by Admiral von Bellingshausen, who was born in Estonia. The Head of State has joined the expedition and been on a boat named Admiral Bellingshausen for more than a week. The aim of the visit is to draw attention to the climate crisis and to demonstrate opportunities offered by digital society and eGovernance.
Video credits: CJ Kask
Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3shu-dQfjc
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KerstiKaljulaid/status/1222086691932057600
Communications Department
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