Which of the following statements, as per the Information Technology Act, 2000, is/are
correct?
1. This Act provides that electronic signature is legally valid in the same manner as the handwritten signature.
2. Both the Central Government and State Governments have been given the power to make rules with respect to electronic signature.
Select the answer using the code given below:

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) 1 only.
This Act provides that electronic signature is legally valid in the same manner as the handwritten signature: This statement is correct. The Information Technology Act, 2000 recognizes electronic signatures as legally valid, providing them the same legal status as handwritten signatures. This provision enables secure and legally binding digital transactions, making it possible for individuals and businesses to authenticate documents and contracts electronically.
Both the Central Government and State Governments have been given the power to make rules with respect to electronic signature: This statement is incorrect. The power to make rules and regulations regarding electronic signatures and other aspects related to electronic governance under the Information Technology Act is vested in the Central Government. State governments do not have the authority to create their own rules on this matter, as it falls under the Union List in the Indian Constitution, which pertains to items regulated by the central authority.
Information Booster: ● The IT Act, 2000, was enacted to provide legal recognition to electronic commerce, electronic signatures, and digital transactions in India. ● Electronic signatures include digital signatures and other secure methods of authentication specified by the government. ● The Central Government has the power to establish rules for secure digital authentication methods, such as the use of public key infrastructure (PKI). ● This act was amended in 2008 to further strengthen electronic transaction security and address cybercrimes. ● The Certifying Authorities appointed by the Central Government issue digital certificates that validate electronic signatures.