Title: An appraisal of electronic signature law of Ethiopia: further reforms for improvement

Authors: Israel Woldekidan Haileyesus

Addresses: College of Law, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia

Abstract: Traditionally, a signature is any character that is made with the intent to sign a document. However, the information technology revolution happening across the world demands the use of electronic signature instead of the traditional inked-based signature. The usage of electronic signature is not as easy as the ink one; as its application faces both technological and legal challenges. In addressing legal concerns states are legalising electronic signatures by enacting laws. Ethiopia, though she is too late, enacted electronic signature law in 2018. The objective of this paper is to analyse whether this law is adequate to regulate electronic signatures in its contemporary development and to provide recommendations for improvement if any. In doing so, the article compares provisions of ESP with some international legal instruments on the area and electronic signature laws from other jurisdictions. The writer concludes that there are gaps in the law and need to be improved.

Keywords: electronic signature laws; certificate providers; electronic commerce; reliability test; information technology; model law.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPLAP.2021.115006

International Journal of Public Law and Policy, 2021 Vol.7 No.1, pp.49 - 73

Received: 26 Sep 2020
Accepted: 29 Dec 2020
Published online: 13 May 2021 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article