Software in the receiver which takes data on programmes and displays these in the form of an on-screen guide. The guide displays information about what is on now and next on each channel as well as future programmes. Viewers may also be able to use the on-screen menus to order pay per-view services or to access interactive services.

Reviewing documents in electronic format. Paper documents can be scanned so that search criteria can be applied

An electronic signature is so much of anything in electronic form which (a) is incorporated into, or associated with any electronic communication or electronic data; and (b) purports to be incorporated or associated in order to establish the authenticity or integrity of the communication or data, or both.

This Practice Note describes the law of electronic signatures (also known as digital signatures, e-signatures, E-Signatures, eSignatures, paperless signing or electronic document signing). It provides definitions of different types of electronic signature including simple, advanced and qualified electronic signatures and details the technology processes used in the creation of digital signatures (including public key infrastructure (PKI) technology). It considers relevant UK legislation such as the Electronic Communications Act 2000 (ECA 2000), and the UK eIDAS Regulation, and best practice in executing documents using electronic signatures. An electronic signature is the electronic equivalent of a handwritten signature and links a person to the contents of an electronic document. This Practice Note focuses on the general position under the law of England and Wales regarding commercial contracts in a business to business context. Readers should note that specific issues may arise in particular transactions, for example as a result of laws applicable to consumers. For practical guidance on how to execute documents when one or more of the parties to a contract are not physically present, see also Practice Note:

Commercial analysis: The claimant brought Part 8 proceedings under section 68 of the Solicitors Act 1974 (SA 1974) seeking an order that the defendant solicitors’ firm deliver a statute bill. In so doing the claimant contended that the invoices served by the defendant did not meet the requirements of SA 1974. One of those requirements was that the invoices be signed; this can be by way of electronic signature (SA 1974, s 69(2B)). The defendant had sent invoices by email. The court therefore had to consider (i) whether the signature in the email footer was a valid electronic signature and (ii) if it was, whether this was sufficient to meet the requirement that a valid statute bill ‘be enclosed in, or accompanied by, a letter which is signed…and refers to the bill’ (SA 1974, s.69(2A)(b)). The court held that: (1) the email signature was a valid electronic signature; (2) the court should adopt an updating construction to the word ‘letter’ such that the signature being contained in an email met the requirements SA 1974. Written by Martyn Griffiths, barrister at Gatehouse Chambers who represented the successful defendant.

1 [An electronic signature or an executed signature page delivered via email shall be deemed as effective as an original, wet ink

Commercial analysis: The eIDAS Regulation is due to replace the eSignature Directive 1999 and comes into effect throughout the EU on 1 July 2016. Lorna Brazell, partner at Osborne Clarke, explains the changes and their implications.

Electronic surveillance refers in practice to the monitoring, interception or recording of communications or activities using electronic or digital means, such as telephone tapping, email or messaging interception, CCTV, covert audio or video devices, GPS tracking and monitoring of internet use or metadata. Across the UK and Ireland it is regulated by detailed statutory regimes rather than by a single overarching definition. In England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, key legislation includes the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA), the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 and related codes of practice, which govern interception of communications, acquisition of communications data, equipment interference and directed and intrusive surveillance. In Ireland, the Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunications Messages (Regulation) Act 1993 and the Communications (Retention of Data) Acts are central. Electronic surveillance typically arises in criminal investigation, national security, regulatory enforcement, employment monitoring and data protection. It engages fundamental rights to privacy, data protection and fair trial, and is tightly controlled through warrant and authorisation procedures, necessity and proportionality tests, oversight by commissioners or supervisory bodies, and exclusionary or remedial rules where unlawfully obtained evidence is used.

ARCHIVED: This Practice Note has been archived and is no longer maintained. CPR PD 51O was revoked and replaced by CPR PD 5C with effect from 1 October 2025. For guidance on CPR PD 5C, see Practice Notes: How to use CE-File—from 1 October 2025 and When and where is CE-File applicable?—from 1 October 2025. NOTE: the CE-File pilot is due to expire on 1 November 2025. With effect from 1 October 2025, CPR PD 51O is replaced by CPR PD 5C, which makes CE-File permanent. For guidance on the new rules, including the differences between CPR PD 51O and CPR PD 5C, see Practice Notes: How to use CE-File—from 1 October 2025 and When and where is CE-File applicable?—from 1 October 2025. This Practice Note provides guidance on CE-File electronic working/electronic filing, also known as e-working/e-filing in the courts under CPR PD 51O. It provides guidance on the various sources of information that inform users as to how to use the system. This Practice Note should be read in conjunction with the following

ARCHIVED: This Practice Note has been archived and is no longer maintained. CPR PD 51O was revoked and replaced by CPR PD 5C with effect from 1 October 2025. For guidance on CPR PD 5C, see Practice Notes: How to use CE-File—from 1 October 2025 and When and where is CE-File applicable?—from 1 October 2025. NOTE: the CE-File pilot is due to expire on 1 November 2025. With effect from 1 October 2025, CPR PD 51O is replaced by CPR PD 5C, which makes CE-File permanent. For guidance on the new rules, including the differences between CPR PD 51O and CPR PD 5C, see Practice Notes: How to use CE-File—from 1 October 2025 and When and where is CE-File applicable?—from 1 October 2025. This Practice Note provides guidance on the interpretation and application of the relevant provisions of the CPR. Depending on the court in which your matter is proceeding, you may also need to be mindful of additional provisions—see Practice Note: Electronic working and CE-File—how to use CE-File—Court guides. This

Any information that is electronically stored, from email to video.

any information that is electronically stored, from email to video. Also referred to as ESI