National digitization in 3 stages
It was in the news a couple of months ago that the National Assembly approved the Digital Transformation Law, and it was in the news again this February with its promulgation in the Official Gazette and subsequent validity. Its implementation is not immediate in many cases and gives time for the country to adapt to the 21st century, even if it does so 23 years too late.
First stage, analysis:
Moment in which the State must prepare to collect data, study it and propose solutions. Citizens must do the same.
One of the main delays in the digitization of the State is the fact that not everyone has access to the Internet and tries to solve the problem. Wisely considering that many people who are, above all, in remote places, do not have access to computers or connectivity, the approach of solutions without discrimination is foreseen. Thus, the communities that are part of this problem will at least have the hope that one day they will have internet. I say hope, because although these communities could currently access internet services, they cannot do so due to high costs and no money is created with a law.
While the Act shows intent, it will not be a reality until solutions are feasible and accessible. Without a specific budget allocation and a real roadmap, these communities read this Law as when they read poetry.
Connectivity depends on a physical network, especially cables and infrastructure that allows connection. The government reported that it held talks with the company Starlink to take advantage of its satellite connectivity network. From what has been seen to date, I assimilate that communication from the State with which it once made the nameless, with respect to Yachay and the billionaire investment that a paper company would make. Everything was a farce then and for now there is no proof that Starlink actually has something real with Ecuador.
You do your thing, have a unique email for your official notifications from the State and those of your contractual counterparts. Look for electronic signature providers and don’t hesitate to pay what they cost, in most cases they are worth less than $20 per year. This price is offset by the bus or courier tickets that you spend to physically sign something or send your physical documents. Collaborate with loved ones who aren’t as tech-savvy. Study your own family and appoint people responsible for managing communications.
Second stage, regulation:
Since it is not easy, time has been given to state entities to prepare their processes and issue regulations, manuals and obtain international certifications to guarantee that what will be offered will be something friendly and safe. The digital transformation includes the structuring of processes that, once started, as they are automatic, do not admit errors.
In Ecuador we doubt the veracity of almost everything, so we ask the notary to certify almost everything. As it is mandatory, and the notary has to make it profitable, the procedures are not very user-friendly or not at all. Despite the fact that the Law already contemplated the possibility of carrying out notarial proceedings electronically, notaries, very comfortably from their offices, said that the process is what it is, and little or nothing was done to take advantage of technology. Except for collection, in which case they smile while accepting bank transfers.
The Law changed little or nothing to the notarial activity, there those who have the burden of making things work are the members of the Council of the Judiciary. I don’t want to be disappointed before time, so I’ll wait for the regulations to be issued and then I’ll deliver my criticism.
In this time that lasts more or less 90 days, institutions such as the Council of the Judiciary, the Council of Higher Education, the Ministry of Education, among others, must be perfectly ready to start the digital transformation.
Third stage, implementation:
It is expected that the third half will be the definitive one, and it will be the moment in which we all must join. Natural and legal persons must seek correct advice so as not to make mistakes. The validity of contracts, judicial notifications and requirements of all kinds will come into play. If not done correctly, the risk can be fatal.
Personally, I hope that people who hold public office or private companies put aside the absurd requirement for signature recognition and signature of an electronic signature or request videos saying the phrase “if I want to contract your service” to have it as proof of the contractual relationship.
I just want to make one thing clear to all those who think about digitalization: the cost of digital transformation does not cost as much as Ecuador usually spends, and it is not necessary to hire foreign companies either, since in Ecuador there is more than enough capacity to provide solutions.
We know that nothing is perfect, but 23 years after the first world began to digitize (industrial revolution 4.0), we must be demanding with the result. There are so many models of success that you cannot make mistakes.
https://www.eltelegrafo.com.ec/noticias/columnistas/15/digitalizacion-nacional-en-3-tiempos