The problems of implementing electronic signatures in a wireless environment

The problems of implementing electronic signatures in a wireless environment

[Abstract]: The topic of wireless devices is now high on the policy of many countries that have revisited their regulatory framework because these devices support electronic transactions. Despite the advancements in the legal system to address a number of issues influencing transactions arising out of these mobile devices, it appears that organizations are yet to comprehend the full impact of these legislative procedures as these procedures include technical as well as management components. When organizations perform electronic transactions using wireless devices, the concept of electronic signatures becomes an integral part of transactions negotiated. Depending upon the context, the enforcement of many issues with respect to this electronic signature vary. For instance, while it is perfectly valid to attach an electronic signature to a simple purchase of a book, it may not be possible to attach the signature to a property deal as regulatory framework in certain countries do not accept electronic forms of signatures for property transactions. While the electronic signature helps to identify a person who has involved in a transaction electronically, due to various technical issues associated with wireless devices, it is difficult to interpret who the sender is, how to authenticate the signature, how the data message is transmitted, and the validity of enforceable issues.

This paper investigates aspects of United Nation’s Model Law with specific focus to ‘signature’ elements. The discussion provided in this paper also highlights the impact of electronic signatures on organizations that use wireless devices for the purpose of electronic transactions.

Authors retain copyright. Pre-print version of article, as made available here, only has one author.