In this section I am going to be talking about electronic communications act. Being one of the leading countries dealing with E-Commerce, the British Government wanted to establish a legal framework which helped encourage the growth of E-commerce which was based on trust. The idea was that people could be sure of the origin and integrity of communications. It also allowed for digital signatures to be accepted and held in the same regard as paper based signatures.

 

The legislation is in two main parts:

• Cryptography service providers

• This allows the government to set up a register of approved cryptography suppliers

 

Facilitation of electronic commerce, data storage. This recognises digital signatures, which are now admissible in law.

 

So what is good about it?

1. Possible to sign contracts over the internet which are just as legally binding as paper based contracts.

2. E-commerce purchases are safer as a contract is legally backed up.

 

What is bad then?

1. some contracts still need to be witnessed (buying a house for example).

2. There will always be a security risk – the first digital signature by a cabinet minister was hacked within 24 hours.