DIGITAL SIGNATURES IN THE ERA OF ICT: CHALLENGES IN CRIMINAL LAW ENFORCEMENT

AUTHOR – DHARANI. S, STUDENT AT TAMILNADU DR.AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY

BEST CITATION – DHARANI. S, DIGITAL SIGNATURES IN THE ERA OF ICT: CHALLENGES IN CRIMINAL LAW ENFORCEMENT, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (12) OF 2025, PG. 815-821, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

ABSTRACT

In the digital age, the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become deeply embedded in modern governance, business, and personal interactions. Among the key tools enabling secure electronic communication is the digital signature, a cryptographic mechanism that ensures the authenticity, integrity, and non-repudiation of electronic documents and transactions. Digital signatures have been legally recognized in many jurisdictions and are vital to promoting trust in electronic commerce, e-governance, and legal documentation. However, the rise in digital signature usage has been paralleled by a corresponding increase in cybercrime and misuse, presenting significant challenges for criminal law enforcement agencies. The advent of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has transformed the way individuals, businesses, and governments interact, especially through digital transactions. At the core of this transformation lies the use of digital signatures, which ensure authentication, integrity, and non-repudiation in electronic communications. While digital signatures offer significant advantages in efficiency and security, their misuse poses considerable challenges to criminal law enforcement. These challenges include jurisdictional complexities, evidentiary issues, lack of technical expertise, and regulatory gaps. This paper explores the multifaceted legal and investigative difficulties posed by digital signature-related crimes, evaluates existing legal frameworks, and proposes potential solutions for more effective enforcement.

Keywords: Digital Signatures, Cybercrime, ICT, Criminal Law Enforcement, Public Key Infrastructure, Electronic Evidence, Jurisdiction, Digital Forensics, Legal Frameworks.