Ballot 131 – Update to Verified Method of Communication (passed)

Ballot overview

• Ballot 131 updated the EV Guidelines by revising Section 11.4 and creating a new Section 11.5 for Verified Method of Communication.
• The ballot states that it passed, with no votes against and no abstentions.

Main changes

• Deleted Section 11.4.2, Telephone Number for Applicant’s Place of Business.
• Added a new definition of Verified Method of Communication in Section 4.
• Added a new requirement in Section 11.1.1 to verify a reliable means of communication with the entity to be named as the Subject in the Certificate.
• Renumbered Sections 11.5 through 11.13 by increasing each by .1 and updated cross-references.
• Added Section 11.5, which requires the CA to verify a telephone number, fax number, email address, or postal delivery address as a Verified Method of Communication.
• Added acceptable verification methods, including matching the communication method to business records or verified opinions/letters, and confirming it through an affirmative response.
• Updated several other EV Guidelines provisions to use Verified Method of Communication for contacting applicants, contract signers, certificate approvers, and related confirmations.
• Replaced the validity period reference for Verified Method of Communication with thirteen months.

Ballot timing

• The review period commenced at 2200 UTC on Friday, 22 August 2014.
• The review period closed at 2200 UTC on Friday, 29 August 2014.
• The voting period was scheduled to start immediately after the review period and close at 2200 UTC on Friday, 5 September 2014.
• The voting period was extended to 2200 UTC Friday, 12 September 2014.

Compliance impact

• The ballot text does not provide a separate normative effective date for CA compliance beyond the ballot’s passage and the voting-period timing stated in the page.
• The requirement changes apply to EV Guidelines provisions, including the new Verified Method of Communication requirements and related updates.