What is an electronic signature?

eIDAS Article 3 defines simple electronic signature as “any data in electronic form which is attached to or logically associated with other data in electronic form and which is used by the signatory to sign”.

In other words, typing a name under a document or an email already constitues as an electronic signature.

An electronic signature (eSignature) is a legal way to get consent or approval on electronic documents or forms. Electronic signatures can be used to replace handwritten signatures in virtually every personal or business process.

Examples include contracts, application forms, new hire onboarding forms, non-disclosure agreements, vendor onboarding and RFPs, change authorizations, or government benefits enrolment forms.