Digital Signature and Electronic Authentication Law (SEAL) of 1998
Subcommittee on Finance and Technology. Hearings held.
Congressional Research Service
Official summary
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Feb 2, 1998
Digital Signature and Electronic Authentication Law (SEAL) of 1998 - Amends the Bank Protection Act of 1968 to authorize a financial institution to use electronic authentication in business transactions if it has entered into an agreement to do so with a counterparty, or has established a banking, financial or transactional system using electronic authentication. Empowers the appropriate Federal or State bank supervisor to preclude the use of electronic authentication if it determines that such use is inconsistent with or threatens the safety and soundness of the institution. Prohibits a State government, agency, or instrumentality from acting as digital certification authority or imposing fees with respect to electronic authentication services. Requires the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to report to the Congress on the use of electronic authentication, including certain considerations regarding consumer protections, and the international use of electronic authentication by financial institutions.
Source last updated: Aug 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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