Secure Email Communication Under European Regulation: Introduction of REM Certification
The European Union is set to introduce a new system for legal electronic communications, known as Registered Electronic Mail (REM), which will be valid across all EU member states. This includes Italy, where the established Certified Electronic Mail (PEC) system will be gradually integrated or replaced by REM systems.
REM is a part of broader EU initiatives aimed at creating interoperable, standardized systems for secure electronic communications, facilitating cross-border digital transactions. Unlike PEC, REM will feature a two-factor authentication system, providing a higher level of security.
The transition from PEC to REM is expected to begin around early 2024, with pilot phases, and the broader implementation is likely between 2025 and 2027. National certified mail providers will undergo technical upgrades to support REM protocols and align with EU eIDAS regulation standards.
For businesses operating at an EU level, this transition means they will need to adapt to REM-compatible platforms to maintain seamless legal valid digital communications across EU states. REM enables greater interoperability and mutual recognition of electronic mail status throughout the EU, reducing administrative overhead and compliance complexity.
The transition will also increase opportunities for cross-border digital trade and communication, standardizing electronic transactional proof, essential for contracts, legal notifications, and regulatory filings.
Starting from 2025, providers of certified electronic mail services will begin offering REM to their clients. Users and businesses can choose their preferred provider of certified electronic mail services that offer REM. Once activated, messages can be migrated from PEC to REM, keeping the same email address.
Intesa, as a Qualified Trust Service Provider, offers various solutions for digital transformation, including document archiving, client onboarding, EDI, electronic invoice platform, cross-border electronic invoicing, corporate electronic signature, electronic seal, document management software, and supply chain management. Their PEC Manager, designed to simplify operations for those managing multiple mailboxes, will be adapted for managing REM mailboxes upon the introduction of the obligation.
Adopting a PEC manager allows for overcoming complexities in managing two-factor authentication for direct access to the REM webmail. It is worth noting that the exact timeline for the transition from PEC to REM in Italy is still evolving, and businesses should consult the most current official Italian government or EU regulatory publications for detailed timelines.
The migration obligation is yet to be enforced, with a DPCM still awaited as of November 2024. The PEC will be gradually replaced by REM once the migration is completed, and users and businesses that currently use PEC will have time to adapt to the new platform and complete the migration of messages.
In conclusion, the transition from PEC to REM in Italy is an ongoing EU-driven modernization of digital mail systems, expected to complete around the mid to late 2020s, enhancing cross-border electronic legal communications for businesses operating across EU countries.
- The transition from PEC to REM will not only affect the current mail system in Italy, but also the larger business landscape, as companies will need to adapt to REM-compatible platforms to ensure secure and interoperable digital communications within the European Union.
- The adoption of REM in Italy, starting from 2025, will provide an opportunity for technology firms, like Intesa, to offer solutions for managing REM mailboxes, making it easier for businesses and individuals to navigate the complexities of two-factor authentication and ensure seamless transition from PEC to REM.
