Which of the following statements, as per the Information Technology Act, 2000, is/are correct?

1. This Act provides that electronic signature is legally valid in the same manner as the handwritten signature.

2. Both the Central Government and State Governments have been given the power to make rules with respect to electronic signature.

Select the answer using the code given below:

The correct answer is  Both 1 and 2.

Key PointsInformation Technology Act, 2000

• The Information Technology Act, of 2000 is a landmark legislation in India that primarily aims to provide a legal framework for electronic governance by giving recognition to electronic records and digital signatures.
• The Act also aims to facilitate electronic commerce and mitigate cybercrimes.
• Statement 1: This Act provides that an electronic signature is legally valid in the same manner as a handwritten signature.
  • Under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, of 2000, electronic signatures are considered legally valid and enforceable, similar to traditional handwritten signatures.
  • The Act defines electronic signatures and provides a framework for their usage to ensure the authenticity and integrity of the documents.
  Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Statement 2: Both the Central Government and State Governments have been given the power to make rules with respect to electronic signatures.
  • The Act empowers both the Central and State Governments to make rules and regulations related to electronic signatures, ensuring effective implementation and governance at multiple levels.
  • This provision allows for a cohesive and comprehensive approach to the regulation of electronic signatures across the nation.
  Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Additional Information

• The Information Technology Act, 2000 was enacted by the Indian Parliament in June 2000 and came into force on 17th October 2000.
• The Act is based on the United Nations Model Law on Electronic Commerce adopted by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).
• The Act also addresses issues related to cybercrime and provides penalties and punishments for various cyber offences such as hacking, identity theft, and cyber terrorism.
• The Act was amended in 2008 to introduce provisions related to data protection, privacy, and the establishment of the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN) to handle cyber security incidents.
• The Act also includes provisions for the appointment of Adjudicating Officers to adjudicate disputes related to electronic transactions and cyber offences.