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Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, 2002 (Act No. 25 of 2002)

Chapter I : Interpretation, Objects and Application

2. Objects of Act

 

The objects of this Act are to enable and facilitate electronic communications and transactions in the public interest, and for that purpose to—

(a) recognise the importance of the information economy for the economic and social prosperity of the Republic;
(b) promote universal access primarily in underserviced areas;
(c) promote the understanding and, acceptance of and growth in the number of electronic transactions in the Republic;
(d) remove and prevent barriers to electronic communications and transactions in the Republic;
(e) promote legal certainty and confidence in respect of electronic communications and transactions;
(f) promote technology neutrality in the application of legislation to electronic communications and transactions;
(g) promote e-government services and electronic communications and transactions with public and private bodies, institutions and citizens;
(h) ensure that electronic transactions in the Republic conform to the highest international standards;
(i) encourage investment and innovation in respect of electronic transactions in the Republic;
(j) develop a safe, secure and effective environment for the consumer, business and the Government to conduct and use electronic transactions;
(k) promote the development of electronic transactions services which are responsive to the needs of users and consumers;
(l) ensure that, in relation to the provision of electronic transactions services, the special needs of particular communities and, areas and the disabled are duly taken into account;
(m) ensure compliance with accepted International technical standards in the provision and development of electronic communications and transactions;
(n) promote the stability of electronic transactions in the Republic;
(o) promote the development of human resources in the electronic transactions environment;
(p) promote SMMEs within the electronic transactions environment;
(q) ensure efficient use and management of the .za domain name space; and
(r) ensure that the national interest of the Republic is not compromised through the use of electronic communications.