Electronic Transactions

Overview

A consultation on the Electronic Transactions Act 2000 and broader legal framework for electronic identification, digital signatures and electronic transactions.

Why your views matter

The Electronic Transactions Act was introduced in 2000, in order to encourage the use of electronic services in both the public and private sectors. However the legislation is complex and isn’t easy to understand. Other jurisdictions have put in place other measures, such as the EU’s Regulation on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market (eIDAS) system in the EU.

The Act has not been amended or subject to comprehensive review since 2000 and at a time when we are more reliant than ever on electronically delivered services it is appropriate to consider whether amendment would be beneficial, or whether further measures should be put in place in order to further facilitate use of electronic transactions.

What happens next

Following consultation, the Department will:

• review and evaluate comments received from consultees; and
• publish a review of the comments received and set out the next steps for any legislative changes