recent press reports
RTf 06/10 1355 UK to license information encryption services
LONDON, June 10 (Reuter) - The British government unveiled proposals on
Monday aimed at meeting the demand for encryption services to safeguard the
confidentiality of electronic information transmitted on public
telecommunications networks.
Technology minister Ian Taylor published a paper proposing a licensing
system for so-called "Trusted Third parties," or TTPs, to provide encryption
services.
"The TTPs would offer digital signature, data integrity and retrieval, key
management and other services for which there is a commercial demand," Taylor
said in a written parliamentary answer.
Taylor said encryption services would facilitate the development of
electronic commerce, thus helping to maintain Britain's competitiveness.
The licensing policy would aim to protect consumers as well as to preserve
the ability of intelligence and law enforcement agencies to fight serious crime
and terrorism, Taylor said.
This would be done by establishing procedures for disclosure to them of the
encryption keys, under safeguards similar to those which already exist under the
Interception of Communications Act, he added.
Taylor said officials in his department had already held preliminary
discussions with industry groups on the concepts set out in Monday's paper.
Following consultation by the Department of Trade and Industry on detailed
proposals, the government intends to bring forward legislation, Taylor added.
PA 06/10 1808 MOVE TO STRENGTHEN INFORMATION SECURITY
By Parliamentary Staff, PA News
The Government tonight announced plans to strengthen the security of
information sent electronically over public telecommunications networks.
Technology Minister Ian Taylor, in a Commons written reply, disclosed
proposals to licence trusted third parties to provide encryption services -- the
process of transforming text into an unintelligible form that can only
subsequently be recovered by someone possessing the corresponding decryption
key.
These services cover the digital signature, an electronic equivalent of a
hand-written signature, of electronic documents and the protection of the
accuracy and privacy of contents.
Mr Taylor said: "There is a growing demand for encryption services to
safeguard the integrity and confidentiality of electronic information
transmitted on public telecommunications networks.
"The Government therefore proposes to make arrangements for licensing trusted
third parties who would provide such services." These would include digital
signature, data integrity and retrieval and key management services.
"The licensing policy will aim to protect consumers as well as to preserve
the ability of the intelligence and law enforcement agencies to fight serious
crime and terrorism by establishing procedures for disclosure to them of the
encryption keys, under safeguards similar to those which already exist for
warranted interception under the Interception of Communications Act."
Mr Taylor, who disclosed publication of a paper, said it was intended to
bring forward proposals for legislation after consultation on detailed policy
proposals.
The Trade and Industry Department said increased use of IT systems by British
business and commerce was a major factor in their improved competitive position,
but had brought increased security risks -- especially concerning integrity and
confidentiality of information passed electronically between trading bodies.
Prime candidates to be trusted third parties could include banks, network
operators and trade associations.
Regards Neill
________________________________________
Neill Jones
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Tel + 44 [0] 191 519 01 36
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