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