For our Foundation in IT Law module, we have studied the ICT Laws in the Mauritian Legal Regime. Amongst them is the Electronic Transaction Act 2000 which has the main purpose of “To provide for an appropriate legal framework to facilitate electronic transactions and communications by regulating electronic records and electronic signatures thereof.” The key terms encountered are:
- Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
- Core PKI Services: Authenticity, Integrity, Confidentiality and Non-Repudiation
- Digital Certificate
- Digital Signature
- Public Key
- Private Key
- Root Certification Authority / Controller of Certification Authority
Information concerning the above can be obtained from ICTA website under the menu item Information Security. The shortcut version of understanding the PKI model can be found here, in the very informative flash animation.
Currently, we read that the Mauritian PKI model will be soon implemented and also ICTA benefits assistance from Indian authorities:
Port Louis: The making of a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) in Mauritius a reality is gathering momentum with the arrival of a high level delegation from India. The five- member delegation led by Dr N. Vijayaditya, India’s Controller of Certification Authorities (CCA India), Department of Information Technology, Government of India are here at the invitation of the Information and Communication Technologies Authority.
Since Monday officials from the ICTA have held a number of working sessions; stakeholders from other institutions involved in PKI implementation have also been invited to take part. These sessions will culminate on Friday with the holding of a workshop organised by the ICT Authority to raise awareness about PKI.
The delegation’s visit follows the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 11 February 2009 between CCA India and the ICT Authority. The objective of this MoU is to seek the assistance of CCA India, to set up the Mauritian PKI based on the Indian PKI model.
The PKI model seeks to enhance TRUST in the transactions carried electronically. What can we expect if Mauritian PKI is operational?
1) Increased use of E-Filing Centres for filing tax returns electronically.
2) Government bodies providing certified documents assuring Authentication.
3) The Growth of E-Commerce in Mauritius given eSecurity.
Anything else?…