Trust services
Trust services such as electronic signatures, seals, and timestamps increase confidence in the use of electronic transactions through mechanisms such as verifying the identity of individuals and businesses online and confirming the integrity of electronic data e.g. documents. Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market (incorporated into UK law at the end of the EU Transition Period under section 3 of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 as amended by the Electronic Identification and Trust Services for Electronic Transactions (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019/89, provides the legal framework for the use of trust services in the UK and the recognition of equivalent EU trust services. The ICO is the supervisory body for qualified trust service providers and can carry out audits, grant qualified status, and take enforcement action.
	The measures in the Act seek to ensure the effective functioning of the UK regime for present and future arrangements. This is to make sure that the regime is ready to support future demand for secure and trusted electronic transactions in the UK.
	Additional measures in the Act seek to prepare the UK to fully participate in the global digital economy by providing the legal basis for mutual recognition agreements on trust services with other countries. As the digital economy grows globally, there is increasing interest in the interoperability of trust services across borders. This Act supports interoperability which facilitates international business, reduces trade friction, lowers costs, and enhances confidence and security.