Electronic Signatures, Biometrics and PKI in the UK

Abstract

The introduction of electronic signatures into the national law of each country and the consequential legal impact on businesses is an issue of immense importance and cannot be ignored. This article aims to look at the background of electronic signatures and the advantages of such signatures compared with manuscript signatures. The use of cryptography to create electronic signatures is examined together with the security and trust offered by the use of digital certificates and PKI. The article then analyses the different types of electronic signatures available in the market and, in particular, looks at biometric applications that seem to be back on the agenda as a result of the recent terrorist attacks. Different types of biometric technologies are examined together with privacy concerns on the use of such applications. The article then briefly looks at two other emerging types of signatures, namely steganography and quantum cryptography. Finally, some of the regulations governing electronic signatures in Europe (including the distinction between electronic signatures and advanced electronic signatures) are examined with particular reference to the laws enacted in the UK to deal with some of these issues. Trust and security are now, more than ever, critical issues in doing business, whether online or in the paper world. Thus, the increase in global legislation on areas such as data protection, electronic signatures, information security and the control of encryption technology coupled with the risks of cyber-crime make it a good time to analyse all these key areas now.

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