Review Article Open Access

Socio-Legal Issues Affecting the Use of Digital Signatures for Secure E-commerce Transactions: A Caribbean Perspective

Abstract

This article examines the socio-legal issues surrounding the role of digital signatures as an internet technology for secure e-commerce transactions in Caribbean developing countries. It highlights the view that as internet technologies become more affordable in developing countries, the societal changes surrounding digital signatures will be even greater than that of developed countries. Further, the increasing use of internet technology in electronic transactions raises the issue of the legality of these transactions. As in similar developing countries, socio-legal issues in the Caribbean Region will include perception, privacy and authentication, trust and confidence, psychology and culture, internet access and cost, and increased security. Given the absence of adequate legislation on digital signatures in Caribbean countries, the article concludes that for this technology to meet the need for user confidence in secure e-commerce transactions, an information infrastructure must first be put in place before users in Caribbean developing countries can actively engage in secure e-commerce.

Richard M. Escalante

To read the full article Download Full Article | Visit Full Article