The W3C XML Encryption Working Group has released an initial working draft specification for XML Encryption Requirements. The draft document "lists the design principles, scope, and requirements for the XML Encryption. It includes requirements as they relate to the encryption syntax, data model, format, cryptographic processing, and external requirements and coordination." Coordination with the several related applications is specified, including W3C XML Signature, W3C XML Protocols, OASIS XML-Based Security Services TC (SSTC), and Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language (SMIL). XML Encryption in the W3C context implies "a method whereby XML content can be transformed such that it is discernable only to the intended recipients, and opaque to all others. There are many applications for such a specification given the increasing importance of XML on the Internet and Web including the protection of payment and transaction information. The proposed work will obviously address how to encrypt an XML documents including elements." The mission of the W3C working group is "to develop a process for encrypting/decyrpting digital content (including XML documents and portions thereof) and an XML syntax used to represent the (1) encrypted content and (2) information that enables an intended recipient to decrypt it."

Bibliographic information: XML Encryption Requirements. W3C Working Draft 2001-April-20. Edited by Joseph Reagle (W3C). Latest version URL: http://www.w3.org/TR/xml-encryption-req.