The project addresses the need for online learning providers to have a secure system for learner identification to avoid the pitfalls of fraud. In providing a secure authentication system for online providers, online learners will also be afforded access to a secure system offering consistent assessment of their online learning. As there is currently no standardised authentication system for e-learning in the EU, the project sets out to develop a system that can be applied to a wide range of EU e-learning programmes. The main focus of the project is the development of a web-based central control system for the authentication of e-learners and server applications. This will involve the development of computer programmes that, using fingerprint scanning technology, can identify and match clients with information stored on the central control system. Clients who are correctly identified by the control system's 'user database' are granted access to learning materials, and their details can be changed by a course administrator who can verify the user's identity. The system will be piloted in participating countries. The project will also develop a project website to raise awareness of project activities, will release research reports on the authentication of e-learning, will distribute the developed ‘prototype’ web-based central control system and will publish a final project report. The European Distance and E-Learning Network (EDEN) will play a significant role in the dissemination of the project's results, through internet and e-mail, with dissemination further relying upon a more traditional approach in the hosting of conferences and seminars.