Legal Framework and Governing Authority

• The Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) operates under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
  
• CCA is responsible for regulating the issuance and usage of Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) in India.
  
• It oversees the activities of licensed Certifying Authorities (CAs).
  
• CCA ensures DSCs meet legal, technical, and procedural standards.
  
• Its policies ensure the trustworthiness of digital transactions.
  

Licensing and Accreditation of Certifying Authorities

• CCA issues licenses to organizations eligible to act as Certifying Authorities.
  
• CAs must comply with guidelines on security, operations, and infrastructure.
  
• They are required to maintain a Certification Practice Statement (CPS).
  
• Periodic audits and inspections are conducted by CCA to ensure compliance.
  
• Only licensed CAs are authorized to issue legally valid DSCs.
  

Standards for Certificate Issuance and Usage

• CCA mandates identity verification before issuing a DSC.
  
• Certificate classes (such as Class 2 and Class 3) are defined based on the level of validation.
  
• DSCs must include the user’s identity, validity period, and usage purpose.
  
• Certificates must be issued through secure cryptographic hardware.
  
• Policies also govern revocation, suspension, and renewal procedures.
  

Technical and Security Requirements

• DSCs must use approved cryptographic algorithms and key lengths.
  
• Private keys must be generated and stored securely, preferably in a hardware token.
  
• All issuance and storage practices must meet stringent security benchmarks.
  
• CAs must ensure protection against unauthorized access and data breaches.
  
• Time-stamping, audit trails, and certificate revocation lists (CRLs) must be maintained.
  

Compliance and Enforcement Measures

• Failure to comply with CCA policies may lead to suspension or cancellation of a CA’s license.
  
• CCA has the authority to investigate breaches and enforce corrective actions.
  
• Certifying Authorities must report incidents and follow CCA’s data protection protocols.
  
• DSC holders are legally bound to use their certificates responsibly.
  
• Misuse of DSCs may lead to penalties under the Information Technology Act.