Discuss the main similarities and differences between PKI regulation in Hong Kong and other jurisdictions.

Encryption has been used as a means of secure communication for centuries. In recent years it has played a major part in conducting warfare and now in the 21st century it has an added importance in the field of e-commerce. The borderless nature of the internet is a double-edged sword. On the one hand for the first time in history it allows users to transact with the 'whole world' while on the other it could …

…far more resistant to regulate an area that is so unpredictable -i.e. the market and social norms have primacy over the law. If Hong Kong continues to regulate this area (and the proposed amendments reveal that there is no intention to back away) then it will face an uphill task. I am of the view that the market should be left to determine the development of e-commerce and with it the future of PKI.