The South Korean government on Monday decided to push for the abolishment of the uniformly used digital signature certificates system and switch to other authentication methods to create a more user - friendly internet environment . The abolition of the digital signature certificates was included in the government ’ s plans to “ push for hyperconnectivity of intelligence innovation ” designed to improve capabilities of data , networks and artificial intelligence , during a meeting presided over by President Moon Jae - in . Digital signature certificates are electronic files issued by local authorities to identify users and to prevent forgery and falsification of documents when doing business online . They have widely been used for public and financial organizations due to their superior legal status compared to other private verification methods .   Users , however , have often found it troublesome to use the certificates because they require Internet Explorer with the ActiveX plugin , which does not work with other web browsers such as Chrome . The government said it plans to gradually revise related laws , including the Electronic Commercial Act and Digital Signature act , which make certificate verification mandatory . It hopes various authentication methods such as blockchain and biometric authentication will replace the old verification method . “ The superior status given to digital signature certificates has provided convenience to connect individual organizations , but it has also inhibited technology innovation . We hope to see more innovative businesses in the areas of fintech and e - commerce ( through the abolition ) , ” said Yang Hwan - jung , chief of the information technology policy division of the ICT Ministry . Alongside the abolishment of the authentication certificates , the government has also announced policies in the areas of personal information , drones and communications networks . The government will revise laws to allow users to more freely and conveniently download their personal information from card companies in order to expand their right to self - determination . It has so far taken time and money for users to use their information belonging to card companies . In return , the government will support security technologies such as blockchain and encryption technology to make their information safer . As to drone technologies , regulations will be lessened and financial support will be provided to boost the industry . The government will lead the development of the K - Drone system , which can safely and efficiently manage drones based on information and communication technology , big data and artificial intelligence . The development of K - Drone will be completed by 2021 and will be used from 2020 for the future drone delivery service and air taxi services . In order for the advanced commercial launch of the fifth - generation network , the government will revise laws to push for the joint use of communications facilities . The joint establishment and usage of network currently limited to wire business providers will be expanded into mobile carriers . By Shin Ji - hye ( shinjh @ heraldcorp . com ) [ 코리아 헤럴드 ] [ K - POP HERALD ] [ 페이스북 ] <ⓒ KoreaHerald ( www . koreaherald . com ) 무단 전재 및 재 배포 금지 >