Functions of Controller

Section 18 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 deals with functions of Controller. The Controller may perform all or any of the following functions, namely:-- (a) exercising supervision over the activities of the Certifying Authorities; The Act came into force on 17 Oct 2000.

The Controller may perform all or any of the following functions, namely:--

(a) exercising supervision over the activities of the Certifying Authorities;

(b) certifying public keys of the Certifying Authorities;

(c) laying down the standards to be maintained by the Certifying Authorities;

(d) specifying the qualifications and experience which employees of the Certifying Authority should possess;

(e) specifying the conditions subject to which the Certifying Authorities shall conduct their business;

(f) specifying the contents of written, printed or visual materials and advertisements that may be distributed or used in respect of a ¹ [electronic signature] Certificate and the public key;

(g) specifying the form and content of a ¹ [electronic signature] Certificate and the key;

(h) specifying the form and manner in which accounts shall be maintained by the Certifying Authorities;

(i) specifying the terms and conditions subject to which auditors may be appointed and the remuneration to be paid to them;

(j) facilitating the establishment of any electronic system by a Certifying Authority either solely or jointly with other Certifying Authorities and regulation of such systems;

(k) specifying the manner in which the Certifying Authorities shall conduct their dealings with the subscribers;

(l) resolving any conflict of interests between the Certifying Authorities and the subscribers;

(m) laying down the duties of the Certifying Authorities;

(n) maintaining a data base containing the disclosure record of every Certifying Authority containing such particulars as may be specified by regulations, which shall be accessible to public.

Section 18, The Information Technology Act, 2000 (Act 21 of 2000).