Principles for Electronic Authentication
A Canadian Framework

	May 2004
	PDF Version [134 KB] To read the PDF version you need Adobe Acrobat Reader on your system.

Introduction

All Canadians – individuals, businesses and governments – share an interest in ensuring that electronic communications are secure. As our use of public electronic networks continues to evolve, from searching the Internet for information to exchanging information and money online, we need greater assurance that these messages and transactions are secure and that our privacy is protected. Authentication of electronic communications can make a significant contribution to meeting this need and to building user confidence.

The Principles for Electronic Authentication are designed to function as benchmarks for the development, provision and use of authentication services in Canada. The Principles are intended to form the basis of codes of conduct, voluntary initiatives and guidelines tailored to the requirements of specific industries and government. For individual and business users of authentication services, the Principles are intended to be a useful source of information and benchmarks against which to evaluate services offered in the marketplace.

The Principles were developed by the Authentication Principles Working Group, convened by Industry Canada and with broad representation from industry, professional associations, consumer groups and various levels of government. The following organizations participated in the Working Group and supported the development of the Principles:

Bell Canada
Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance
Canadian Bankers Association
Canadian Bar Association
Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants
Canadian Payments Association
Certified General Accountants Association of Canada
Deloitte & Touche LLP Canada
Digital Discretion Inc.
Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP
Industry Canada (Electronic Commerce Branch and Office of Consumer Affairs)
Information Technology Association of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada
Juricert Services Inc.
Province of British Columbia
Province of Ontario
Public Interest Advocacy Centre
RBC Financial Group
Retail Council of Canada
Scotiabank
Spyrus Inc.
Standards Council of Canada
Teranet Inc.
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
University of Ottawa Law School
Visa Canada Association