PenalNet: secure e-communication in Criminal Law Practice

PenalNet is a web platform which will supply a secure network of communication between EU criminal lawyers. The project objective is to develop better communications and strengthen the cross-border confidence of the practitioners. PenalNet provides the security that a lawyer is actually dealing with the wanted colleague, and that the latter is the only entitled to access the content received. Likewise, the system guarantees that the information exchanged cannot be modified or rejected. Communication is encrypted (SSL protocol) between lawyers, always including a time-stamping attested by ‘PenalNet’. Among other functionalities, PenalNet contains a directory of criminal lawyers who are registered at the platform by means of their professional digital certificate, which enables secure online identification and signature. It also allows secure email and document delivery through digital signature, acknowledgment of receipt provided by the platform, acknowledgement of reading and sms alert. All in all, using PenalNet will imply a notable decrease of burocratical delays, allow faster interaction and efficiency, and increase confidence between the professionals and amongst clients/citizens whilst protecting their right to privacy. It will also help to promote a culture of safe communications and closer cooperation at European level which, at present, are at an initial stage. PenalNet is being implemented as a pilot project in five Member States: Spain, France, Italy, Hungary and Romania, each of them putting together 300 tester lawyers. From 2010 onwards, PenalNet aims to become a permanent service provided for every EU qualified lawyer