Article 46 - Digital Governance

1. The State may conduct its governance, administration, and adjudicative functions through digital platforms and electronic communications. The use of digital means does not diminish the authority or legal effect of any act of State.

2. A digital instrument, record, or communication issued or authenticated by a competent authority of the State has the same legal validity and effect as a corresponding physical instrument, provided that it is authenticated in accordance with Article 40 or by such other method of secure electronic authentication as the law may prescribe.

3. Assemblies, hearings, consultations, and other proceedings of the State may be convened and conducted by virtual means. Participation by virtual means constitutes valid attendance and participation for all legal purposes.

4. The State shall establish and maintain secure methods of digital identity verification for its nationals and for persons who submit to the jurisdiction of the State.

5. The State shall take appropriate measures to protect the security, integrity, and confidentiality of its digital systems, records, and communications, and to safeguard the personal data of nationals and other persons whose information is held by the State.

6. Electronic signatures, digital seals, and other forms of electronic authentication recognised by the law of the State are valid means of executing, witnessing, and authenticating instruments, declarations, and other juridical acts.

7. The Sovereign may, by decree, designate the official digital platforms and systems of the State and prescribe standards and procedures for their use.