CEN/ETSI Rationalised Framework for Electronic Signature Standardisation

Electronic signatures have been adopted in a number of nations as means of assuring the authenticity of electronic documents. As of today the electronic signatures standardization landscape is rather complex and does not offer a clear mapping with the requirements of Directive 1999/93/EC on a community framework for electronic signatures. The current multiplicity of standardisation deliverables together with the lack of usage guidelines, the difficulty in identifying the appropriate standards and lack of business orientation are detrimental to the interoperability of electronic signatures.