In digital signature circles (where verifying identity and the integrity of data sent on the Net is paramount), Alan Asay is known as the Godfather. Asay, who now works at CertCo, a company developing software for certified signatures, drafted the first digital signature act two years ago for Utah and set up legal and technical guidelines for authentication. This winter, more than 20 states are voting on or developing legislation based on Utah's blueprint. Along with imminent legislation in Europe and Malaysia, the upsurge in interest is a jumpstart for the smartcard and e-cash industries. A tireless champion for the cause, Asay says, "The lack of legal infrastructure is largely the reason this technology has been around for 10 years - an eon in techno time - but hasn't really gone anywhere."
- Roderick Simpson
ELECTRIC WORD
The Don of Dig Sigs
