Electronic Signatures and Information Security

Citation

(2002), "Electronic Signatures and Information Security", Work Study, Vol. 51 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ws.2002.07951aae.004

Electronic Signatures and Information Security

Electronic Signatures and Information Security

Jane HillSweet & MaxwellISBN: 0 421 82430 1£145Keywords: Digital/electronic signatures, Legal matters

Electronic signatures have been legally recognised in the UK since the passing of the UK Electronic Communications Bill in June 2000. Thus, complete transactions can be completed electronically. It is, therefore, important for those involved to understand the legal nature of any contract or agreement they make via a "simple" online transaction, and to understand the risks they incur when dealing in such a way. This report covers the legal issues relating to electronic signatures and the underlying infrastructure required to support them – digital/electronic signatures, digital certificates, trusted third parties, public key encryption, etc. It thus sets out the legal framework that applies to e-commerce in the UK. The report is up-to-date and authoritative.