On December 16th (Reporter Zhou Yaqiang), it was learned from the Tianjin government that the General Office of the Tianjin Municipal People's Government recently forwarded the "Tianjin Electronic Seal Management Measures" (hereinafter referred to as the "Measures") formulated by the Tianjin Public Security Bureau, notifying all relevant units to implement them accordingly to standardize and strengthen the management of electronic seals. The Measures consist of five chapters including General Provisions, Application and Production, Information Security Protection, Legal Responsibilities, and Supplementary Provisions, totaling 30 articles. This method applies to the application, production, use, cancellation, and security protection of electronic seals within the administrative area of Tianjin. According to the Measures, the Tianjin Electronic Seal Management Service System provides functions such as electronic seal application, production, filing, query, change, cancellation, signature, seal verification and record, and usage management. It is also integrated with the national integrated online government service platform and the Tianjin Official Seal Engraving Industry Security Management Information System to achieve data exchange and sharing. The Measures stipulate that the production of electronic seals shall refer to physical seals and shall be carried out by electronic seal production institutions licensed by public security organs. No unit or individual shall illegally produce electronic seals; Units or individuals applying for the production and issuance of electronic seals shall first engrave physical seals in accordance with relevant management regulations for physical seals, and then apply to the electronic seal production institution licensed by the public security organs. The Measures stipulate that various government offices and services in Tianjin can use electronic seals to sign various electronic documents such as official documents, certificates, agreements, vouchers, and circulation forms; Encourage natural persons, legal persons, and unincorporated organizations to use electronic seals in the fields of economic and social activities. It is strictly prohibited to use electronic seals without following the usage permissions and approval process. The Measures emphasize that electronic seals have the same legal effect as physical seals, and their legal effect cannot be denied just because they adopt electronic forms of expression. Except for situations where relevant laws and administrative regulations specify that electronic signatures are not applicable. It is reported that the Measures shall come into effect from the date of issuance and be valid for 5 years. The Notice of the General Office of the Tianjin Municipal People's Government on Forwarding the Interim Measures for the Management of Electronic Seals in Tianjin formulated by the Municipal Public Security Bureau (Jinzhengbanfa [2019] No. 44) is hereby abolished. (New Society)