During 1999, ITU Council approved the launch of a new initiatives programme designed to address pressing policy problems in a timely and effective way via strategic planning workshops. Through meetings of small Expert Groups that bring together leading authorities in specialized areas for highly-focused discussions, the Union aims to facilitate global understanding and consensus on complex policy issues.

Electronic Signatures & Certification Authorities

With new e-commerce services rapidly coming online in many countries around the world, the inaugural ITU Experts Group meeting focused on the role ITU might play in facilitating cross-border recognition of the electronic signatures and certifications which lie at the heart of the world’s e-commerce networks. A global approach to many policy and regulatory aspects of cross-border electronic trading will be essential to the future development of reliable e-commerce networks, and, perhaps more importantly, to the consumer trust that will be integral to the success of online trading worldwide.

Global Dialogue on Authentication

The Experts Group meeting, held in December 1999, was attended by 35 of the world’s leading authorities on electronic authentication, who discussed the importance of a consistent approach to the validation of electronic signatures in fostering an environment where online purchases, funds transfers, and business-to-business transactions are governed by assurances of reliability, accountability and quality at least equal to those currently governing traditional commercial dealings.

The Experts believe that ITU, with its unique expertise, long experience of working closely with industry, and broad membership base, has a role to play in providing guidance concerning electronic authentication and fostering a global dialogue on authentication issues.

Recommended Role for ITU

The Experts Group recommended a technology-neutral approach to the development of any new regulatory framework covering authentication measures. While inviting ITU to consider further work to examine, find and develop a model for authentication across borders, the Group stressed the importance of not impeding the development and implementation of market-based initiatives and standards, nor of private arrangements for authentication. The Group also urged ITU to be attentive to the needs of developing countries and sensitive to cultural differences, while acknowledging the risks and opportunities presented by various authentication measures. At the Group’s suggestion, ITU was asked to prepare an inventory of the principles covering online authentication already in place or being considered around the world.

Moreover, the Experts Group suggested that ITU provide education and opportunities for information sharing on digital authentication to national telecommunications regulators, the business community and the general public in countries around the world, with a special focus on developing nations. In addition, the Union was invited to facilitate an online discussion forum for experts to exchange information about this rapidly developing topic.

On the technical front, it was further recommended that ongoing work to develop new ITU-T Recommendations on authentication should be undertaken in close co-operation with other standards-making bodies, international and regional organizations, the telecommunications industry and consumer groups.

IP Telephony & Fixed-Mobile Interconnection

Strategic Planning Workshops on IP telephony and fixed-mobile interconnection issues are scheduled to take place in the year 2000. They will be supported by a programme of case studies which will look at current best practice examples of how these issues are being handled in countries around the world.