Electronic signatures: where to next?

Die afgelope paar jaar het die samelewing toenemend staatgemaak op moderne tegnologie – veral sedert Covid-19 en die reeks beperkinge ingevolge die Wet op Rampbestuur 57 van 2002. Daar word selfs na data verwys as die wêreld se nuwe vorm van olie. In die lig van hierdie paradigmaskuif, word daar al hoe meer gebruik gemaak van elektroniese handtekeninge. Die hoogste hof van appèl het onlangs, by twee gelenthede, elektroniese handtekeninge en die toepaslike wetlike raamwerk oorweeg: eerstens in November 2014 in Spring Forest Trading CC v Wilberry (Pty) Ltd t/a Ecowash en tweedens in Maart 2020 in Global & Local Investments Advisors (Pty) Ltd v Fouche. Ongelukkig het die jongste uitspraak gelei tot ’n mate van onsekerheid oor die manier waarop die regsraamwerk geïnterpreteer moet word. Op die oog af blyk die Global & Local-saak teenstrydig te wees met die Spring Forest-saak en artikel 13 van die Wet op Elektroniese Kommunikasie en Transaksies 25 van 2002. Die oogmerk van die outeur met hierdie artikel is om die toepaslike wetlike raamwerk met betrekking tot elektroniese handtekeninge te evalueer en krities kommentaar te lewer op die bevindings wat in die Spring Forest– en Global & Local-sake gemaak is, met die doel om voorstelle te maak oor: i) die wyse waarop hierdie twee uitsprake van die hoogste hof van appèl geïnterpreteer moet word, in die lig van die wet en ander relevante regspraak en ii) die pad vorentoe vir toekomstige regsgedinge. Na die beslissing in die Spring Forest-saak, is algemeen aanvaar dat waar ’n kommersiële ooreenkoms gebruik maak van die begrippe “skrif” en “handtekening”, databoodskappe aan hierdie vereistes kan voldoen, as daar aan die spesifieke vereistes in die wet voldoen word. Hierdie bevinding was sinvol en het rekening gehou met moderne ontwikkelinge. Na die uitspraak in die Global & Local-saak bestaan daar egter twyfel of ’n “handtekening” uitgevoer kan word deur ’n elektroniese handtekening via databoodskap te gebruik. Die jongste uitspraak dui daarop dat as partye elektronies ’n ooreenkoms wil onderteken, ’n elektroniese “handtekening” (spesifiek met die uitsluiting van die woord elektronies) uitdruklik in die ooreenkoms vermeld moet wees: met ander woorde, hierdie uitspraak vereis dat partye vooraf ooreenkom dat ’n elektroniese ooreenkoms toelaatbaar is, en dit veroorsaak twyfel of die begrip “handtekening” ’n elektroniese handtekening insluit. Hierdie artikel voer aan dat die Global & Local-saak regsekerheid ondermyn. Wat word benodig om vorentoe te beweeg? Eerstens, duidelikheid of die begrip “handtekening” ’n elektroniese handtekening insluit. Tweedens, ’n bevestiging dat ’n elektroniese handtekening, soos dit tans verwoord is, nie gebruik kan word om ’n ooreenkoms vir die verkoop van vaste eiendom, ingevolge Wet 25 van 2002, aan te gaan nie. Twyfel is geskep in die onlangse beslissing in Borcherds v Duxbury 2021 1 SA 410 (OKP). Derdens, bevestiging van ’n hooggeregshof oor watter faktore in ag geneem moet word by die bepaling of ’n elektroniese handtekening betroubaar is. In die vierde plek, en hierdie punt is aanvegbaar, kan dit met die oog op moderne ontwikkelinge die moeite werd wees om weer te kyk of die wet gewysig moet word, vir die gebruik van elektroniese handtekeninge in ooreenkomste vir die verkoop van vaste eiendom.

Advantages and disadvantages of electronic identification using a mobile digital signature (MOBILE ID) in modern civil law

Problem setting. Due to the rapid impact of information and communication technologies on commodity-money relations, which are in the sphere of civil turnover in Ukraine, the number of contracts concluded in electronic form is significantly increasing. The scope of electronic documents both in contractual civil law relations and in general in the relations of individuals with government agencies, courts and other public law entities has a clear tendency to expand and grow. Thus, in many areas of commodity-money exchange, the interaction of executors and customers (clients) has reached a completely new organizational and legal level and is carried out exclusively online, because the territorial remoteness and implementation of quarantine measures against COVID-19 is not always possible to sign an agreement on paper. These statements determine the relevance of the chosen research topic. The object of the study is the civil legal relationship using a mobile digital signature (Mobile ID). The subject of the research is the advantages and disadvantages of electronic identification with the use of mobile digital signature in civil circulation. The state of research of the problem. Such scientists as M. I. Anokhin, Yu. V. Borodakiy, N. P. Varnovsky, V. M. Glushkov, M. V. Denisova, M. M. Dutov, A.V. Kobets, G.I. Kupriyanova, A. Matvienko, V. A. Onegov, I. A. Semaev, V. A. Shakhverdov, M. N. Tsyvin, V. V. Yashchenko and others. The target of research is to study the features of the legal regulation of electronic digital signature of a person and his legal status with the analysis of issues arising from the use of such a signature in civil turnover, the formulation of proposals for their solution. Article’s main body. The possibility of using mobile digital signatures in the document flow is provided by the relevant regulations. The Law of Ukraine “On Electronic Digital Signature” adopted on May 22, 2003, defines the legal status of an electronic digital signature and regulates the relations that arise when using an electronic digital signature. This Law does not apply to relations arising from the use of other types of electronic signatures, including digitized images of handwritten signatures. At the same time, the provision of Part 3 of Article 207 of the Civil Code of Ukraine on the use of facsimile reproduction of the signature by means of mechanical, electronic or other copying, as well as electronic signature or other analogue of handwritten signature with the written consent of the parties, which must contain samples handwritten signatures. The legislative base on electronic signatures is currently constantly growing, a passport of a citizen of Ukraine in the form of a card with a contactless electronic carrier (and an electronic digital signature) has been introduced into the continuum of indirect electronic reality. The Law of Ukraine "On Electronic Commerce" of September 3, 2015 regulates the legal regulation of the field of electronic commerce in Ukraine, defines the procedure for electronic transactions with the use of information and telecommunications systems. The legal basis for the provision of electronic trust services, including cross-border, the rights and obligations of the subjects of legal relations in the field of electronic trust services are subject to the Law of Ukraine "On electronic trust services" of October 5, 2017. The number of diverse legal material causes some difficulties in the practical application of a mobile digital signature. Differences in national terminology, which are contained in different sources, as well as existing legal gaps determine the relevance of this problem and require appropriate research. Conclusions and prospects for the development. The scientific novelty of the study is a comprehensive consideration of this topic, namely: the pros and cons of using a mobile digital signature, making suggestions for improving existing legislation with concepts and functions related to the use (Mobile ID).

Pemilihan Platform Tanda Tangan Digital Berdasarkan Faktor Keberlanjutan Selama Pandemi COVID-19 Menggunakan Metode AHP

Sistem tanda tangan digital telah banyak dimanfaatkan terutama untuk kegiatan persetujuan dokumen selama pandemi COVID-19 di Indonesia. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor dari dimensi sustainability yang mempengaruhi keberlanjutan dalam menggunakan sistem tanda tangan digital berdasarkan metode pendekatan AHP. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode AHP karena metode ini mampu menyelesaikan persoalan dalam suatu kerangka berpikir yang terorganisir sehingga dapat mengambil keputusan secara efektif dan akurat terhadap suatu persoalan dalam penelitian. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sub-kriteria continuous improvement dari dimensi ekonomi menjadi prioritas utama yang menjadi penunjang dalam keberlanjutan bisnis penyedia tanda tangan digital. Selanjutnya, melakukan analisis pemilihan platform tanda tangan digital antara PrivyID, DigiSign, dan Manual Input. Berdasarkan hasil perhitungan terhadap tiga alternatif menghasilkan platform DigiSign yang paling unggul dibandingkan dengan platform PrivyID dan Manual Input. Hasil tersebut sejalan dengan komitmen dari platform DigiSign yang memberikan kemudahan bagi pengguna agar dapat memeriksa dokumen yang tertunda dengan cepat, menandatangani dokumen dengan tingkat keamanan yang tinggi dan enkripsi berstandar Internasional, serta dapat melacak status dokumen dengan mudah. Sedangkan tanda tangan elektronik yang dilakukan dengan cara Manual Input memiliki kelemahan yang sangat kritikal, dimana tanda tangan elektronik tersebut tidak terenkripsi sehingga tidak mampu untuk melindungi dokumen dari pencurian data identitas atau entitas perusahaan oleh pihak yang tidak bertanggung jawab. Abstract The digital signature system has been widely used, especially for document approval activities during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. This study aims to determine the factors of the sustainability dimension that affect sustainability in using a digital signature system based on the AHP approach. This study uses the AHP method because this method is able to solve problems in an organized framework so that it can take a decisions effectively and accurately on a research problem. The results of this study indicate that the sub-criteria for continuous improvement from the economic dimension is the main priority that supports the sustainability of the digital signature provider business. Furthermore, analyze the selection of digital signature platforms between PrivyID, DigiSign, and Manual Input. Based on the results of the calculation of the three alternatives, the DigiSign platform is the most superior compared to the PrivyID platform and Manual Input. This results are in line with the commitment of the DigiSign platform which makes it easy for users to quickly check pending documents, sign the documents with a high level of security and International standard encryption, and easy to tracking the document status. Meanwhile, electronic signatures made by Manual Input have a very critical weakness, where the electronic signature is not encrypted so it is unable to protect documents from theft of identity data or corporate entities by irresponsible parties.

Data Protection Heterogeneity in the European Union

In light of digitalisation, we are witnessing an increased volume of collected data and data generation and exchange acceleration. Therefore, the European Union (EU) has introduced the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as a new framework for data protection on the European level. However, GDPR allows the member states to change some parts of the regulation, and the member states can always build on top of the GDPR. An example is the collection of biometric data with electronic signatures. This paper aims to compare the legislation on data protection topics in the various EU member states. The findings show that the member states included in the study generally do not have many additional/specific laws (only in 29.4% of the cases). However, almost all have other/additional legislation to the GDPR on at least one topic. The most additional legislation is on the topics of video surveillance, biometry, genetic data and health data. We also introduce a dynamic map that allows for quick navigating between different information categories and comparisons of the EU member states at a glance.

Forensic examination of electronic signatures: A comparative study

The writing of names or signatures has great importance due to its use in authentication, validation, and authorization of documents. Moreover, handwritten signatures present an aura of personality and make an impression on many people. But now, with the emergence of new technologies, a variety of electronic writing media such as digital tablets and pens are being used to produce writings and signatures; and the conventional way to produce the writing using pen and paper is waning. With the changing ways of writing and signature production, the means of producing forged writing or signature are also bound to change. This has brought new challenges for handwriting examiners. In the present study, a comparative analysis of electronically captured signatures with pen-paper signatures has been performed to study the effect of changes in writing media. Signature samples were taken from the same subjects on paper and electronic pads. The similarities and differences with respect to class and line quality features between both signatures were analysed. It was observed that despite differences between the signatures produced by the same author, it is still possible to establish the authorship of signatures in the case of electronic signatures.

EKSISTENSI PERJANJIAN ELEKTRONIK SEBAGAI ALAT BUKTI DALAM HUKUM ACARA PERDATA

ABSTRACTOne form of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 that we can recognize in everyday life is electronic commerce, namely the use of communication networks and computers to carry out business processes that are agreed upon and carried out by the parties and set forth in electronic agreements/contracts. The electronic agreement/contract is carried out on the basis of trust obtained by providing legal recognition of electronic written form in the form of an electronic signature. If there is a broken promise/default by one of the parties entering into an electronic agreement/contract with electronic document evidence signed with electronic signature as evidence, then it must be known carefully the strength of the evidence of electronic agreement on the electronic document and the method of settling the civil dispute.This study aimed to examine and analyze the strength of the evidence of electronic agreements on authentic deeds and patterns of settlement of civil case disputes submitted by the parties with evidence in the form of electronic agreements. The study used a normative juridical method with legal and conceptual approaches and primary and secondary sources of legal material.From the results of the study it can be concluded that the strength of proof of electronic documents signed with electronic signatures is contrary to the strength of proof of authentic deeds made by or in front of public officials in charge where the deed was made or by the authorized public official. In addition, related to the recognition of electronic documents in the judicial system, there is a void in procedural law because it does not regulate electronic documents as evidence but rather electronic documents in the form of decisions or indictments as appeals for cassation requests and reconsideration.Keywords: Electronic Agreement, Electronic Signature, Authentic Deed, Evidence

Electronic Transferable Records: A Gap in Qatari Law That Urgently Needs Filling

Qatar has sought to encourage the development of international trade and investment through advancements in its law. In light of the growing importance of electronic operations, it has adopted the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law’s (UNCITRAL) model laws on electronic commerce and electronic signatures. However, they alone are insufficient to respond fully to the present-day needs of international trade. An area in which Qatari law is still wanting is the electronic transfer of records that originated on paper. This article assesses the extent to which current Qatari legislation relating to the assignment of rights, bills of lading, and commercial papers is suited to the transfer of such records by electronic means and identifies aspects on which it falls short. To fill this gap, Qatar should adopt the 2017 UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records and ensure that it is applied as widely as possible, internally, internationally, and in civil and commercial dealings.

Investigation of the expediency of using AVX512 for the implementation of modern algorithms for electronic signatures

Development and investigation of electronic signatures on algebraic lattices is one of the promising directions in post-quantum cryptography. Cryptosystems CRYSTALS-Dilithium and Falcon represent lattice cryptography in the category of electronic signatures in the NIST PQC open competition among the finalists. Most operations in these cryptosystems are reduced to addition and multiplication of polynomials in a finite field with a generating cyclotomic polynomial xN + 1. Using such a field allows the use of a number-theoretic transformation (NTT) to create fast and reliable software implementations. In practice, vectorized set (SIMD) instructions are used to achieve good performance. AVX2 instructions are most often used among existing implementations. At the same time, the possibility of using AVX512 instructions remains little explored. The purpose of this work is to investigate the feasibility of applying AVX512 instructions to optimization of the NTT, used in modern EPs on algebraic lattices. In particular, the paper presents a method for implementing a number-theoretic transformation using AVX512 for CRYSTALS-Dilithium and Falcon. An increase in performance is shown in comparison with the reference optimized author's implementations.

The Validity of the Electronic Signature in Electronic General Meeting of Shareholders S of the Limited Company’s

The enactment of electronic signatures, especially at the General Meeting of Share-holders (GMS) and responses to legal actions from electronic signatures in the deed of Decision of the General Meeting of Shareholders in a Limited Liability Company, will be confronted by the progress of the era and the legality of the deed. This research method is classified as normative research, the approach method is descriptive analytical. This study shows that the regulation of electronic signatures on the deed of the Statement of Shareholders' Meeting Resolutions is the development of the form of legal evidence. For this reason, the form of evidence is made in the form of electronic information or electronic documents. The effect of the signing if it is done through electronic media, namely the result of the GMS decision has a legal impact on the status of ratification in the law. If the GMS has an electronic signature so that the legality of the legal action is recognized, the government and especially the legislators make legal rules to regulate with certainty the validity of the results of the GMS electronically, so that legal certainty is formed.

Penggunaan Tanda Tangan Elektronik Dalam Penyelenggaraan E-Government Guna Mewujudkan Pelayanan Publik Yang Efisien

<p class="Default" align="center"><strong>ABSTRAK</strong></p><p>Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membahas mengenai Tanda Tangan Elektronik dalam penyelenggaraan E-Government guna Mewujudkan pelayanan publik yang efisien untuk mengetahui bagaimanakah sistem dan problematika penggunaan tanda tangan elektronik pejabat publik dalam penyelenggaraan e-government. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode penelitian normatif dengan sifat preskriptif. Pendekatan dalam penelitian ini yaitu pendekatan perundang-undangan dan konseptual. Bahan hukum yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu bahan hukum primer terdiri dari perundang-undangan dan bahan hukum sekunder yang diperoleh melalui bahan kepustakaan. Teknik analisis data menggunakan logika deduktif. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa Penerapan teknologi informasi e-government dalam hal ini penggunaan tanda tangan elektronik akan membawa pemerintahan menjadi lebih efisien dan efektif dalam hal pelayanan publik serta proses administrasi dan komunikasi internal. Terdapat dua permasalahan hukum pokok dalam penggunaan tanda tangan elektronik oleh pejabat publik yakni mengenai kekuatan hukum tanda tangan elektronik dan keamanan tanda tangan elektronik itu sendiri dari pemalsuan.</p><p>Kata Kunci : Tanda Tangan Elektronik, E-government, Pelayanan Publik, Efisien.<strong></strong></p><p class="Default" align="center"><strong>ABSTRACT</strong></p><p>This study aims to discuss Electronic Signatures in the implementation of E-Government in order to realize efficient public services to find out how the system and the problems of using electronic signatures of public officials in the implementation of e-government. The method used in this research is a normative research method with a prescriptive nature. The approach in this research is the statutory and conceptual approach. The legal materials used in this study are primary legal materials consisting of legislation and secondary legal materials obtained through library materials. The data analysis technique uses deductive logic. The results of this study indicate that the application of e-government information technology in this case the use of electronic signatures will bring the government to be more efficient and effective in terms of public services as well as administrative processes and internal communications. There are two main legal problems in the use of electronic signatures by public officials, namely regarding the legal power of electronic signatures and the security of the electronic signature itself from forgery.</p><p><em>Keywords</em><em> </em><em>:</em><strong><em> </em></strong>Electronic Signature, E-government, Public Service, Efficient<em></em></p>