Views sought on changes to e-communications law

Proposed amendments to the Electronic Communications (Jersey) Law 2000 (EComms Law) will allow for legal certainty in the use of electronic signatures and the introduction of remote witnessing of signatures during property transactions for example.  

The suggestions by Government, businesses and regulators have been made in order to modernise the EComms Law and to allow more flexibility in light of new technologies and an increase in remote working. 

These proposed changes to the Law are now being put to a wider group of Islanders who are being asked for their feedback in an online consultation. 

The review is part of the overarching Digital Policy Framework which set out the objective to make sure the legislation is up to date, remains aligned with international standards and responds to technical advances and changes in behaviour.

Senator Lyndon Farnham, Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture said: “As result of COVID-19 our relationship with technology has changed, many people are using new innovative platforms as they seek to work and communicate remotely.  

“Amendments to the law aim to capture the opportunities and risks identified by businesses during the pandemic. This is an important and dynamic sector so we want to ensure we have input from as many stakeholders as possible.”

The consultation can be found on gov.je and closes on Friday 8 January. Responses should be submitted by email to: Jonathan Van Neste, Senior Policy Officer j.vanneste2@gov.je