France

[FR] Adoption of Legislation on Electronic Signature

IRIS 2000-3:1/25

Charlotte Vier

Légipresse

Legislation adapting the law on proof and evidence to information technologies and on electronic signature was adopted on 29 February. This text transposes the Community Directive of 13 December 1999 into French law and adapts it. It defines electronic signature as a reliable identification procedure guaranteeing its connection with the document to which it is attached. The Act states that a procedure is deemed reliableunless proved otherwise - if the electronic signature is created, the identity of the signatory assured and the integrity of the document guaranteed. An implementing decree is to be issued shortly; this will define these criteria of reliability and the conditions for certification.