Electronic certification, also known as digital certification or electronic certificate, is a process designed to guarantee the authenticity, integrity, and security of electronically transmitted or stored information. It relies on the use of cryptographic keys (public key and private key) to secure data and online transactions.
It is also commonly used to verify the identity of parties involved in an electronic transaction and ensure that data has not been altered during transmission.
At the national level, electronic certification is governed by Law No. 15-04 of 11 Rabie Ethani 1436, corresponding to February 1, 2015, which establishes general rules regarding electronic signature and certification. According to this law, the national system of electronic certification and signature is structured around three complementary entities:
- The National Electronic Certification Authority (ANCE): Reporting to the Prime Minister’s Office, it plays a central role in promoting the use and development of electronic signature and certification, as well as ensuring the reliability of their usage.
- The Governmental Electronic Certification Authority (AGCE): Placed under the authority of the Minister of Post and Telecommunications, the AGCE is responsible for monitoring and controlling the electronic certification activity of trusted third parties, as well as providing electronic certification services to government entities.
- The Economic Electronic Certification Authority (AECE): Under the Regulatory Authority of Post and Electronic Communications (ARPCE), the AECE is responsible for monitoring and controlling electronic certification service providers that offer electronic signature and certification services to the public.
The main objective of this structuring of the national system of electronic signature and certification is to achieve international recognition, thereby ensuring interoperability with other certification authorities worldwide.