Secure Communication Standard in Europe: The Introduction of REM Certified Emails
In the digital age, the European Commission is working towards standardizing certified digital services within the EU, and one of the key changes on the horizon is the transition from the Italian Certified Electronic Mail (PEC) to the Registered Electronic Mail (REM).
PEC, a national system in Italy, offers legal proof of sending and receipt of emails, primarily used for official communications. On the other hand, REM, being introduced at the EU level, aims to be a broader standard for trusted and legally valid electronic mail transmissions across member states, seeking to harmonize and upgrade digital communications.
The transition timeline from PEC to REM would depend on EU directives or national implementation plans, with the migration obligation not becoming mandatory until after 2024. Once published, the DPCM is expected to extend the deadline for the migration, likely between the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026.
Intesa, a leading provider, offers a PEC Management System designed to simplify operations for those managing multiple mailboxes. This system will be adapted to manage REM mailboxes upon the official introduction of the mandatory requirement. The PEC Management System will provide retroactive interoperability between the retiring PEC channel and the new REM channel, ensuring a seamless transition for users.
One of the significant benefits of the transition to REM is the simplification of managing legal communications at a European level. The transition will also offer greater interoperability and security, making REM a valid tool throughout the EU.
For application-to-application authentication to the REM mailbox, an application-based authentication mode based on the OAuth 2.0 protocol has been introduced. Activating a REM account will require two-factor authentication, which helps overcome complications of handling two-factor authentication for direct access to the webmail via the REM Provider's site.
The main difference between PEC and REM lies in the process of recognition and identification of the account holder. REM requires a verified identification process, which is a key step towards ensuring the security and integrity of electronic communications across the EU.
As the transition from PEC to REM approaches, it is essential for users and businesses to stay informed and prepared. For precise timeline and formal comparison, consulting official EU and Italian government sources or relevant legal texts on electronic communications and digital identity (such as eIDAS regulations) would be necessary.
In summary, the transition from PEC to REM is a significant step towards harmonizing and upgrading digital communications within the EU. With greater interoperability, security, and legal validity, REM is set to become a powerful tool for facilitating trustworthy and efficient electronic communications across Europe.
Data-and-cloud-computing technology plays a crucial role in facilitating the seamless transition from PEC to REM, as the PEC Management System offered by Intesa, for instance, will adapt to manage REM mailboxes. The adoption of REM will offer advanced security features, positioning data-and-cloud-computing technology as a vital component in ensuring the security and integrity of electronic communications at an EU level.
