Consumer concerns

5)..................... The law establishes only that electronic signatures in all their forms qualify as signatures in the legal sense, and leaves it up to software companies and the free market to establish which electronic signature methods will be used.

Since electronic-signature technology is still evolving, many kinds of e-signatures offer little, if any, security. If a consumer uses an insecure signature method, identity thieves could intercept it online and use it for fraudulent purposes. It is expected that secure methods of electronic signatures will be adopted and become as commonplace as credit cards. However, stolen electronic signatures have the potential to become as widespread a problem for e-commerce as credit-card scams and stolen passwords. Consumer-protection groups suggest caution before signing anything online.

25 .Read the text again and answer these questions.

1. What is the difference between a digital signature and an electronic signature?

2. What is the most important result of the new law?

3. Why do business-to-business websites welcome the new law?

4. What does the new law stipulate concerning the use of paper contracts?

5. According to the law, which kinds of electronic signatures are to be regarded as legal signatures?

26 .Read through the text once more, noting the advantages of the new law and any (possible) disadvantages that could arise as a result of the new legislation.

Advantages of new law	(Possible) disadvantages of new law

Discuss these advantages and disadvantages with a partner. Do you think the disadvantages outweigh the advantages?

27 .Answer these questions.

1. Why do you think the drafters of the law left 'electronic signature' undefined? Is this an advantage or disadvantage?

2. What is the status of electronic contracts in your own jurisdiction?

Language use3: Adverbs

Adverbs often serve to modify (or describe) verbs, but they are also used to modify adjectives or other adverbs.

28 The text has several examples of adverb + verb (and a few adverb + adjective) combinations. Write them in the table below (the adverbs are indicated in the text in italics).

Adverb + verb	Adverb + adjective

29 .Which noun in the sixth section of the text (Do you want paper or electronic?) collocates with the following verbs?

To obtain, to withdraw, to rescind, to get, to give

30 .Match these words from the text (1 -6) with their synonyms (a-f).

1 revoke a additional fees

2 prefer b inform

3 enforceable c get

4 penalties d opt for

5 obtain e valid

6 notify f withdraw

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