Internet

• Author: International Law Group

The Japanese Ministry of Trade and Industry (MITI) has published a preliminary English translation of the new Law Concerning Electronic Signatures and Certification Services of May 24, 2000.

The purpose of the law is to promote the diffusion of information by electronic means. It introduces a presumption that proper electronic signatures are authentic(Chapter 2, Article 3). It also provides for accreditation of "designated certification services" that confirm the authenticity of electronic signatures (Chapter 3). A foreign certification service may also become accredited in Japan. As to accredited foreign certification services, the presence of a treaty or mutual recognition agreement in force between Japan and the other nation will simplify the process. The effective date of the law was April 1, 2001.

[Editors Note: For Japan, the acceptance of electronic signatures is a big step towards e-commerce and electronic document transmission. Traditionally, Japanese have relied on seals with the family name engraved in Chinese characters, called "hanko," to ensure the authenticity of important documents.] In a related matter, on June 30, 2000, U.S...