1. abcde Electronic Signatures and Certification Authorities Obligations, Liabilities and Responsibilities Michael Peeters Pinsent Curtis - UK

2. abcde WHO AM I? UK Qualified Lawyer Technology Law Practice EU Law Adviser ICC E-Commerce Working Group etc

3. abcde OBLIGATIONS, LIABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Where are we now? (EU) Legal/Commercial Issues EU c.f. US, Aus etc

4. abcde Where are we now? (EU) Electronic Signatures: –EU Directive on a Common Framework for Electronic Signatures –30 November; Council Unanimously approved all 2nd reading amendments –Final Adoption now achieved

5. abcde WHERE ARE WE NOW? (EU) Electronic Commerce: –EU Directive on Electronic Commerce –7 December; political agreement reached (Parliament and Council)

6. abcde WHERE ARE WE NOW? (EU) Data Protection: –Directive(s) implemented (95-general) (97-telcos) –Security Issues –Trans border data flows and safe harbour principles

7. abcde WHERE ARE WE NOW?(EU) Other: –1995 Council Resolution on the lawful interception of telecommunications –EU Distance Selling Directive –EU 1997 Telecommunications Licensing Directive (97/13)

8. abcde WHAT IS SECURITY? OECD 1997 Guidance - 3 elements –availability of data –confidentiality of data –integrity of data

9. abcde THE SECURITY ISSUE –Principal obstacle to more widespread use and especially internet payment and mechanisms –Need for safeguards against fraud

10. abcde THE SECURITY ISSUE - CONTINUED The risk of hacking; encryption Authentication: electronic signatures, finger-prints, etc

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12. ELETRONIC SIGNATURES –Differing approaches –Harmonisation attempts –The way forward?

13. abcde THE EU ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES POSITION –Data authentication –Legal recognition –accreditation of Certification-Service providers –interoperability of e-signature products –Contract law harmonisation?