19 August 1998

Date: Wed, 19 Aug 1998 14:23:08 +0800
From: gtaylor@efa.org.au (Greg Taylor)
To: aucrypto@suburbia.net
Subject: AUCRYPTO: NOIE proposes national authentication authority


http://www.dca.gov.au/cgi-bin/trap.pl?path=3217


A proposed National Authentication Authority 

     The Minister for Communications, the Information Economy
     and the Arts, Senator Richard Alston, today released for
     public comment a Discussion Paper prepared by the
     National Office for the Information Economy (NOIE) on a
     proposed model for a National Authentication Authority
     (NAA) for electronic authentication. 

     'The ability to "prove" your identity during an electronic
     communication or transaction is a vital first step to the
     expansion of electronic commerce and communications - for
     individuals, businesses and governments,' Senator Alston
     said. 

     'The normal physical identity checks of the real world, such
     as a drivers' licence, passport or business registration
     certificate, are not available in the online world. 

     'New electronic ways of verifying identities and "digital
     signatures" are being developed by individual companies
     and governments, to provide certainty of identity, assurance
     of the integrity of electronic data, and a means of ensuring
     non-repudiation of electronic transactions, undertakings or
     documents. 

     'But consumers and businesses are likely to be offered a
     wide choice of authentication systems. They will want the
     added security of knowing that these authentication systems
     meet recognised and accepted international best practice
     standards. 

     'The NAA is one proposal for providing that additional
     security.' 

     The Discussion Paper provides further information about the
     proposed NAA structure. Copies are available at
     www.noie.gov.au or by contacting the National Office for
     the Information Economy (NOIE) on 02 6283 8200. 

     Comments about the Discussion Paper should be submitted
     by 7 September 1998 to:
     General Manager, Legal and Regulatory
     National Office for the Information Economy
     Locked Bag 8461
     CANBERRA ACT 2601

     or e-mail:
     naa@noie.gov.au 

     Media Contact:
     Terry O'Connor, Minister's office 02 6277 7480
     Brian Stewart, NOIE 02 6283 8200
     Website www.richardalston.dca.gov.au

     176/98
     19 August 1998