What is it about?
The article explores the concept of authenticity from various disciplinary viewpoints and discusses both past and current practices regarding seals and digital signatures. It delves into how these methods and technologies have intersected to guarantee the credibility of records.
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Why is it important?
The concept of the globalization of trade, specifically through electronic commerce, has sparked discussions in various spheres about its potential to expedite delivery of goods and services to clients. Governments are increasingly embracing electronic governance as a means to streamline bureaucratic processes and minimize time spent on paperwork. This transition allows companies to expand their customer base, provide prompt service, and offer round-the-clock availability. While it is undeniable that modern information and communication technologies bring significant advantages in terms of speed and efficiency, they also give rise to certain formidable challenges. One primary concern revolves around the reliability and trustworthiness of electronic information.
Perspectives
Throughout history, there have been similarities in the challenges faced by different eras, particularly when it comes to technological advancements. In ancient times, as writing became a supplementary mode of communication alongside oral traditions, societies relied on seals as a means of ensuring the authenticity and reliability of documents. Similarly, during the middle ages in Western Europe, there was a gradual shift towards trusting written records over oral communication. During our current digital age, society is grappling with finding the right balance between leveraging the benefits and addressing the difficulties posed by digital information. As a response to this challenge, digital signatures are being heralded as an innovative technology for verification and authentication.
Dr Shadrack Katuu
University of South Africa
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Ensuring the Authenticity of Records: From Seals to Digital Signatures, ESARBICA Journal Journal of the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives, January 2005, African Journals Online (AJOL),
DOI: 10.4314/esarjo.v20i1.30981.
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