2006 Code of Virginia § 59.1-480 - Definitions

59.1-480. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

(1) "Agreement" means the bargain of the parties in fact, as found in theirlanguage or inferred from other circumstances and from rules, regulations,and procedures given the effect of agreements under laws otherwise applicableto a particular transaction.

(2) "Automated transaction" means a transaction conducted or performed, inwhole or in part, by electronic means or electronic records, in which theacts or records of one or both parties are not reviewed by an individual inthe ordinary course in forming a contract, performing under an existingcontract, or fulfilling an obligation required by the transaction.

(3) "Computer program" means a set of statements or instructions to be useddirectly or indirectly in an information processing system in order to bringabout a certain result.

(4) "Contract" means the total legal obligation resulting from the parties'agreement as affected by this chapter and other applicable law.

(5) "Electronic" means relating to technology having electrical, digital,magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic, or similar capabilities.

(6) "Electronic agent" means a computer program or an electronic or otherautomated means used independently to initiate an action or respond toelectronic records or performances in whole or in part, without review oraction by an individual.

(7) "Electronic record" means a record created, generated, sent,communicated, received, or stored by electronic means.

(8) "Electronic signature" means an electronic sound, symbol, or processattached to or logically associated with a record and executed or adopted bya person with the intent to sign the record.

(9) "Information" means data, text, images, sounds, codes, computerprograms, software, databases, or the like.

(10) "Information processing system" means an electronic system forcreating, generating, sending, receiving, storing, displaying, or processinginformation.

(11) "Person" means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate,trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture,public body, public corporation, or any other legal or commercial entity.

(12) "Public body" shall have the same meaning as defined in 2.2-3701 andshall also include locally elected constitutional officers, and anyoneperforming the duties of locally elected constitutional officers.

(13) "Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium orthat is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable inperceivable form.

(14) "Security procedure" means a procedure employed for the purpose ofverifying that an electronic signature, record, or performance is that of aspecific person or for detecting changes or errors in the information in anelectronic record. The term includes a procedure that requires the use ofalgorithms or other codes, identifying words or numbers, encryption, orcallback or other acknowledgment procedures.

(15) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia,Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insularpossession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The termincludes an Indian tribe or band, or an Alaskan native village, which isrecognized by federal law or formally acknowledged by a state.

(16) "Transaction" means an action or set of actions occurring between twoor more persons relating to the conduct of business, commercial, orgovernmental affairs.

(2000, c. 995; 2005, c. 417.)