Germany

[DE] New Electronic Signature Decree Adopted

IRIS 2001-10:1/26

Peter Strothmann

Institute of European Media Law (EMR), Saarbrücken/Brussels

On 24 October, the Federal Government adopted a new Verordnung zur elektronischen Signatur (Electronic Signature Decree), which replaces the Decree in force since 1997.

The new Decree deals in more detail with the provisions of the Signaturgesetz (Electronic Signature Act), which entered into force on 22 May 2001. It deals in particular with the obligation for certification service providers to report on their activities and the need for voluntary accreditation of such bodies. It also regulates the content, standards and duration of validity of such certificates, the precautions taken by certification service providers and procedures to ensure that foreign signatures and products are equally secure. The Decree transposes Directive 1999/93/EC of the European Parliament and Council on a Community framework for electronic signatures of 30 November 1999.