I-COMMERCE合同中数据电文的法律地位

The Legal Status of Data Message in the I - COMMERCE Contract

I-COMMERCE合同的突出特点在于采用数据电文进行信息流通和交换,因而数据电文的法律效力直接决定着I-COMMERCE合同的效力。无形的数据电文与传统的有形的书面文件大相径庭,属于书面形式之外的另一类合同,我国制定电子商务法时应直接承认I-COMMERCE合同数据电文的法律效力。数据电文的鉴别和证明,需用电子形式的签名,目前各国对电子签名独立的法律效力早已形成共识。我国进行电子商务立法时没有必要采用目前合同法中“签订确认书”的回避做法,应当一方面直接规定电子签名的一般效力,保持技术中立性,适用于以任何技术为基础的电子签名;另一方面,又要对I-COMMERCE合同中数字签名做出特别规定,并建立相应配套认证机制。

The effect of the I - COMMERCE contract is directly determined by the legal effect of Data Message as the unique feature of the former lies in the information circulation and exchange by the later. The invisible data and electronic documents, totally different from written files, is another form other than documents in writing. The legal effect of Data Message in the I - COMMERCE contract should be given immediate legal admission when the law on e - commerce is made in our country. Data Message are ought to be differentiated and testified by electronic signatures. So far, an agreement has been reached worldwide concerning the dependent legal effect of electronic signatures. When making e - commerce law, it is not necessary to make avoidance by 'signing confirmation documents' as is adopted in the present ' Contract Law' . On the one hand, the general effect of electronic signatures should be stipulated to keep technological neutrality and apply to any electronic signature based on technology; on the other hand, special stipulations should be made on figure signatures in the I - COMMERCE contract and corresponding authentication mechanism established as well.