Types of Electronic Signatures Law
Permissive or minimalist: Simple electronic signatures have the same status as handwritten signatures as long as both parties agree to the use of electronic signatures.
Two-tier: Digital signatures have the same status as handwritten signatures, but electronic signatures are also legal and enforceable. These countries usually base their laws on the UNCITRAL Model Law for Electronic Signatures.
Prescriptive: The use of electronic and digital signatures is governed by restrictive, country-specific laws. Frequently there is no language addressing the enforceability of simple electronic signatures, but some allow parties to specify the acceptable form of signature in an agreement.
Summary of Country wise Electronic Signature Laws
| Argentina | Electronic Signature Law Digital Signature Law 25, 506 Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Yes, electronic signatures are valid with prior consent from each party. Synopsis of the law Argentina follows the UNICTRAL model law and is similar to the laws of many European Union member states. It is considered a two- tier jurisdiction because it gives digital signatures the same status as handwritten signatures but also recognizes simple electronic signatures as legal and enforceable. Countries that follow this model give companies the opportunity to select different forms of signatures and customize their business processes based on the form that is most convenient and appropriate for each use case. Argentina’s laws are somewhat different in that they primarily discuss the enforceability of digital or advanced electronic signatures. However sec.1197 of the Argentine Civil Code provides that when the parties agree that they will accept electronic signatures as valid and that they won’t challenge their validity, the agreement will bind both parties. Key Limitations Article 4 provides that the law does not apply to documents regarding death, family law or other highly personal matters. |
| Australia | Electronic Signature Law Electronic Transactions Act 1999 Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Yes, part 10 of the ET Act states that one can meet the legal requirement for a handwritten signature by using an electronic signature or communication. Synopsis of the law Australia’s electronic signature law is considered a permissive or minimalist law. This means that it allows nearly all documents to be signed using simple electronic signatures. It is very similar to the US law, with minimal requirements and clear enforceability. One only needs to have a means to reasonably identify the person signing and show evidence of their agreement. Of course, one should always get the consent of the signing party to do business electronically and follow standard record retention process. Key Limitations The law doesn’t apply to documents related to migration and citizenship. In addition, some regions have laws that provide that the law doesn’t apply to wills, power of attorney and some real estate transactions. However, there is no exception to the law that applies to standard business agreements. |
| Bermuda | Electronic Signature Law Electronic Transactions Act 1999 Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Yes, Sec 11 of the Electronic Transactions Act recognizes electronic signature as legal and enforceable, while Sec 14 provides for their admissibility. Synopsis of the law Bermuda’s law provides for the enforcement of both simple electronic signatures and digital signatures (sometimes called certified electronic signatures). It is considered a two- tier jurisdiction because it gives digital signatures the same status as handwritten signatures but also recognizes simple electronic signatures as legal and enforceable. Countries that follow this model give companies the opportunity to select different forms of signatures and customize their business processes based on the form that is most convenient and appropriate for each use case. Electronic signatures are presumed valid unless proof to the contrary is produced. Key Limitations Some real estate agreements and wills are exempted from the law. |
| Brazil | Electronic Signature Law Provisional Measure 2200-2, August 24th 2001 Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Brazil’s law allows only electronic signatures that utilize the Brazilian public key infrastructure (PKI). Synopsis of the law Brazil follows the UNICTRAL model law for Electronic Signatures. However, under Article 1, it imposes the additional restriction of allowing only its own version of PKI to be legally recognized. Documents and signatures that uses PKI are considered legal and enforceable for all public and private purposes under Article 10. Key Limitations There are no critical restrictions under the law. |
| Canada | Electronic Signature Law Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, SC 2000, c5 Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Yes, the laws of Canada and each of its provinces explicitly grant electronic signatures the same status as handwritten signatures. Synopsis of the law Canada follows the permissive approach. These minimalist, or permissive, law permit the use of electronic signatures for virtually all types of agreements. However, it is important to obtain the prior consent of all parties to conduct business electronically. Electronic signatures are presumed valid unless proof to the contrary is produced. Key Limitations Some real estate agreements, wills, estate agreements and power of attorneys are exempted from the law. There is some variation among the provinces respecting restrictions. Refer, Qubec’s Act to Establish a legal Framework for Information Technology. |
| Chile | Electronic Signature Law Law 19.799 and Decree 181 Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Yes, Article 3 of law 19.799 recognizes electronic signatures as legal and enforceable, while Article 5 provides for their admissibility. Synopsis of the law Chile’s law provides for the enforcement of both simple electronic signatures and digital signatures (sometimes called certified electronic signatures). It is considered a two- tier jurisdiction because it gives digital signatures the same status as handwritten signatures but also recognizes simple electronic signatures as legal and enforceable. Countries that follow this model give companies the opportunity to select different forms of signatures and customize their business processes based on the form that is most convenient and appropriate for each use case. Electronic signatures are presumed valid unless proof to the contrary is produced. Key Limitations Agreements and documents related to acts or contracts where the law requires the personal attendance of one or more of the parties and those related to family law are exempted from the law. |
| China | Electronic Signature Law Electronic Signature Law of the People’s Republic of China Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Yes, Article 14 of Electronic Signature Law of the People’s Republic of China recognizes electronic signatures as legal and enforceable, while Article 7 and Article 8 provides for their admissibility. Synopsis of the law China’s law is modeled on a combination of the EU Directive on Electronic Signatures, UNICTRAL Model Laws and United Nations Conventions on Electronic Communications in Cross-border contracts. It provides enforcement of both simple electronic signatures and digital signatures. It is considered a two- tier jurisdiction because it gives digital signatures the same status as handwritten signatures but also recognizes simple electronic signatures as legal and enforceable. Countries that follow this model give companies the opportunity to select different forms of signatures and customize their business processes based on the form that is most convenient and appropriate for each use case. Electronic signatures are presumed valid unless proof to the contrary is produced. Key Limitations Agreements related to personal relationships (such as marriage, adoption, inheritance), some real estate agreements and agreements related to the suspension of public utilities are excluded from law. |
| Colombia | Electronic Signature Law Several laws in Colombia address electronic signatures, including Law 527 of 1999, Law 1150 of 2007 (Public Procurement), Law 962 of 2005 (Electronic Invoice) and Law 964 of 2005 (Electronic Securities) Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Yes, the law provides that electronic signatures can be used, but with consent. Synopsis of the law In Colombia, both public and private sectors uses Electronic Signatures. It is considered a two- tier jurisdiction because it gives digital signatures the same status as handwritten signatures but also recognizes simple electronic signatures as legal and enforceable. Countries that follow this model give companies the opportunity to select different forms of signatures and customize their business processes based on the form that is most convenient and appropriate for each use case. Key Limitations Conveyance of real estate rights, aircrafts, ships, corporations or other business associations; bylaws, mortgage agreements, unlimited agency agreements and incorporation of branches are excluded from the law. |
| European Union Member States | Electronic Signature Law Electronic Identification and Authentication Services Regulation (910/2014/EC), commonly referred as eIDAS Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Yes, the law states that electronic signatures are valid with prior consent. Synopsis of the law Summary of The Electronic Identification and Trust Services Regulation (910/2014/EC), Commonly referred to as eIDAS, it took effect on July 1, 2016, establishing a new legal structure for electronic identification, signatures, seals and documents throughout the EU. For the first time, there is a consistent legal framework and a single market for the recognition of electronic signatures and identities across the entire EU. This provides companies with a predictable legal environment in which to develop and expand the use of electronic signatures in the EU. When eIDAS took effect, it replaced the Electronic Signature Directive (1999/93/EC) as well automatically repealing, replacing or modifying any EU member state laws that were inconsistent with eIDAS. Article 25 of the Regulation establishes a fundamental legal rule that all electronic signatures and verification services shall be admissible as evidence in legal proceedings. This includes electronic signatures, seals, time stamps, registered delivery services and certificates for website authentication. Basic electronic signatures The law holds that an electronic signature shall not be denied legal effect and admissibility as evidence in legal proceedings solely based on the fact that it is in electronic form. Advanced electronic signatures Advanced electronic signatures allow unique identification and authentication of the signer of a document to enable the verification of the integrity of the signed agreement, typically through the issuance of a digital certificate to the signer by a certificate authority. Qualified electronic signatures While both advanced and qualified electronic signatures are uniquely linked to the signer, qualified electronic signatures are based on qualified certificates. Qualified certificates can be issued only by a certificate authority that has been accredited and supervised by authorities designated by the EU member states and must meet the requirements of eIDAS. Qualified certificates must also be stored on a qualified signature creation device such as a smart card, a USB token or a cloud-based hardware security module (HSM). While both basic electronic signatures and advanced electronic signatures are legal, admissible and enforceable under eIDAS, only qualified electronic signatures are deemed to be legally identical to handwritten signatures. Importantly, they are also the only type of electronic signature that are mutually recognized by all of the EU member states. Thus, while it is not necessary to use a qualified electronic signature in every instance, it is a useful tool when executing some types of agreements. |
| Austria | |
| Belgium | |
| Bulgaria | |
| Croatia | |
| Republic of Cyprus | |
| Czech Republic | |
| Denmark | |
| Estonia | |
| Finland | |
| France | |
| Germany | |
| Greece | |
| Hungary | |
| Ireland | |
| Italy | |
| Latvia | |
| Lithuania | |
| Luxembourg | |
| Malta | |
| Netherlands | |
| Poland | |
| Portugal | |
| Romania | |
| Slovakia | |
| Slovenia | |
| Spain | |
| Sweden | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Hong Kong | Electronic signature law Electronic Transactions Ordinance Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Yes, Section 6(1) states that an electronic signature may be used to satisfy the legal requirement for a handwritten signature. Section 17(2) states that electronic records may be used in place of paper records and that those records will have the same legal enforceability as paper records. Synopsis of the law Hong Kong follows the European Union and the UNCITRAL model law such that its laws provide for the enforcement of both simple electronic signatures and digital signatures (sometimes called advanced electronic signatures). It’s considered a two-tier jurisdiction because it gives digital signatures the same status as handwritten signatures but also recognizes simple electronic signatures as legal and enforceable. Countries that follow this model give companies the opportunity to select different forms of signatures and customize their business processes based on the form that is most convenient and appropriate for each use case. One must get consent to do business electronically, but that consent doesn’t need to be explicit. it can be inferred from behavior such as receiving and signing documents electronically. Key Limitations Some real estate transactions, powers of attorney, government leases and wills are excluded from the law. |
| India | Electronic signature law The Information Technology Act, 2004 further amended in 2006 and 2008 Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Yes, with consent. Synopsis of the law India’s laws provide for the enforcement of both simple electronic signatures and digital signatures (sometimes called advanced electronic signatures). It is considered a two-tier jurisdiction because it gives digital signatures the same status as handwritten signatures but also recognizes simple electronic signatures as legal and enforceable. Countries that follow this model give companies the opportunity to select different forms of signatures and customize their business processes based on the form that is most convenient and appropriate for each use case. Electronic signatures are presumed valid unless proof to the contrary is produced. Specifically, section 10A provides that where an agreement is ‘expressed in electronic form or by means of an electronic record, such contract shall not be deemed to be unenforceable solely on the ground that such electronic form or means was used for that purpose.’ Further, if one obtains consent to use electronic signatures, the courts will be even more likely to uphold their use. When using digital signatures in India, there are additional technical and legal requirements. Section 15 35 in particular specifies standards for entities that issue digital certificates. Key Limitations Agreements related to powers of attorney, wills and real estate are exempted from the law. In addition, the requirement that many transactions must use stamped paper hinders adoption. |
| Indonesia | Electronic signature law Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 11 of 2008 Concerning Electronic Information and Transactions Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Yes, but only those digital signatures that have been created by a digital certificate provider that has been registered with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology and that has servers located in Indonesia are enforceable. Synopsis of the law AU forms of electronic signatures must meet the requirements under Law Number 11 of 2008, which includes the registration and certification of public electronic systems, registration of software for services and electronic agents and certification of all hardware, as well as the requirement that all data centers and disaster recovery centers be located in Indonesia. All digital certificates must be issued by a certification provider approved by government agencies. Key Limitations The law excludes Notarial deeds, letters of court summons and bond certificates. |
| Israel | Electronic signature law Electronic Signature Law, 5761 2001 Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Chapter 2 requires the use of a certified electronic signature (sometimes called advanced electronic signatures) to satisfy laws requiring a signature on a document. Synopsis of the law Israel’s Electronic Signature Law is modeled on the EU Directive on Electronic Signatures, but it does not permit the use of electronic signatures when a signature is required on a document. Instead, Israel requires the use of a digital signature. However, some documents may not require a signature to be enforceable. In these situations, an electronic signature solution may be appropriate to track and manage the final, approved version of a document. Key Limitations The law does not contain any restrictions on the type of agreement it applies to when using a digital signature. |
| Japan | Electronic signature law Law Concerning Electronic Signatures and Certification Services (unofficial translation) Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Yes, Japanese law allows electronic signatures for most types of agreements. Synopsis of the law In Japan, a signature cannot be denied enforceability simply because it is in electronic form. It is considered a two tier jurisdiction because it gives digital signatures the same status as handwritten signatures but also recognizes simple electronic signatures as legal and enforceable. Countries that follow this model give companies the opportunity to select different forms of signatures and customize their business processes based on the form that is most convenient and appropriate for each use case. While the use of a red seal stamp is common for signatures, electronic signatures are supported by the Law Concerning Electronic Signatures and Certification Services. Also, Japanese evidence rules generally permit the parties to an agreement to agree on the form of acceptance of that agreement. Key Limitations It’s advisable to avoid using electronic signatures for documents related to real property transfers and wills. |
| Malaysia | Electronic signature law Digital Signature Act Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Section 62 requires the use of a digital signature (sometimes called advanced electronic signatures) where the law requires a signature. Synopsis of the law Malaysia’s Digital Signature Act is modeled on the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Signatures but does not permit the use of electronic signatures when a signature is required on a document. Instead, Malaysia requires the use of a digital signature. However, some documents may not require a signature to be enforceable. In these situations, an electronic signature solution may be appropriate to track and manage the final, approved version of a document. Key Limitations Malaysia’s electronic signature law does not contain any restrictions on the type of agreement it applies to when using a digital signature. |
| Mexico | Electronic signature law Several laws Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Mexico’s laws generally permit parties to state their consent though electronic means. Synopsis of the law Mexico is considered a two-tier jurisdiction because it gives digital signatures the same status as handwritten signatures but also recognizes simple electronic signatures as legal and enforceable. Countries that follow this model give companies the opportunity to select different forms of signatures and customize their business processes based on the form that is most convenient and appropriate for each use case. Mexico amended several laws, including the Code of Commerce, Federal Civil Code and Federal Code on Civil Procedures, to permit the use of electronic signatures and advanced electronic signatures. Under this system, advanced electronic signatures are preferred, but parties are generally free to determine the form of acceptance for an agreement. Key Limitations Digital signatures may be required for the certification of official documents and for documents related to tax obligations. |
| New Zealand | Electronic signature law Electronic Transactions Act Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Yes, Section 8 provides that information will not be denied legal effect solely because it is in electronic form. Synopsis of the law New Zealand’s electronic signature law can be classified as permissive or minimalist. Under the law, parties to an agreement can freely agree on the type of signature to use, including simple electronic signatures. The primary requirements are that the parties agree on the form of signature, and the electronic document remains readily accessible to the parties. Key Limitations While the law does not exclude particular types of agreements, some agreements, like real estate transfers and wills, have additional requirements. |
| Norway | Electronic signature law Electronic Signatures Act 2001 Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Yes, Norway’s Electronic Signatures Act 2001, Section 6 recognizes electronic signatures as legal and enforceable. Synopsis of the law Norway follows the European Union model. It is considered a two-tier jurisdiction because it gives digital signatures the same status as handwritten signatures but also recognizes simple electronic signatures as legal and enforceable. Countries that follow this model give companies the opportunity to select different forms of signatures and customize their business processes based on the form that is most convenient and appropriate for each use case.Electronic signatures are presumed valid unless proof to the contrary is produced, but they do not have the same status as digital (or qualified electronic) signatures. Key Limitations The law excludes transactions related to Debt certificates, premarital agreements and a board’s signing of annual accounts. |
| Peru | Electronic signature law Digital Certificates and Signatures Law, Law No. 27269 Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Peru recognizes only the legal status of digital or advanced electronic signatures. Synopsis of the law In Peru, all forms of electronic signature must include a digital certificate. Peruvian law specifies the minimum requirements for digital certificates and for the issuers of digital certificates. To be considered valid, a digital certificate must be issued by a certification provider that meets these standards. Peru recognizes the validity of digital certificates issued in other countries only if they meet Peruvian standards. Key Limitations There are no critical exceptions to the law. |
| Philippines | Electronic signature law Republic Act No. 8792: An Act Providing for the Recognition and Use of Electronic Commercial and Non-Commercial Transactions and Documents Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Section 8 specifies that all signatures must use a digital certificate. Summary of the law Philippines provides for the enforceability of digital signatures. While parties are free to agree between themselves that electronic signatures will be binding, that agreement could increase the enforceability risk. For all practical purposes, digital signatures should be used. Key restrictions No restrictions are noted. |
| Republic of Korea | Electronic signature law Digital Signature Act Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Yes, as long as the parties explicitly consent to electronic signatures per Article 3(3) of the enactment. Summary of the law The Republic of Korea’s e-signature laws are modeled after a combination of the EU Directive on Electronic Signatures and UNITRAL Model Law. It is considered a two-tier jurisdiction because it gives digital signatures the same status as handwritten signatures but also recognizes simple electronic signatures as legal and enforceable. Countries that follow this model give companies the opportunity to select different forms of signatures and customize their business processes based on the form that is most convenient and appropriate for each use case. Like many other countries, consent is required for allowing electronic signatures. However, if no such explicit agreement exists between the parties or the identity of the signer or the authenticity or integrity of the message sent is questioned, the effect of the electronic signature has to be determined by interpreting the true intention of the parties in accordance with the general principle of contract interpretation. Key restrictions There are no critical restrictions. |
| Russian Federation | Electronic signature law Federal Law No. 63-FZ, n Digital Signature’ (July 01, 2011) Federal Law No. 149-FZ, ‘On Information, Information Technology and Protection of Information’ (July 27, 2006) Part Four of Civil Code of the Russian Federation (Art. 160) Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Yes, Russian law recognizes electronic signatures as legal, admissible and enforceable when the parties explicitly agree to use them. However, for enforceable digital signatures, Russia requires that one use a certificate and service provider that has been certified by the Russian government. Synopsis of the law Russian courts have held that a signature may not be denied validity simply because it is electronic. However, to be clearly enforceable, digital signatures must be exchanged through a government-certified, specialized service provider that acts as an electronic courier in order to enable electronic document exchange. Key Limitations There are no critical exceptions to the law. |
| Singapore | Electronic signature law Electronic Transactions Act 1010 Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Yes, Section 8 of Electronic Transactions Act 1010, states that one can meet the legal requirement for a handwritten signature by using an electronic signature or communication. Synopsis of the law Singapore is considered a two-tier jurisdiction because it gives digital signatures the same status as handwritten signatures but also recognizes simple electronic signatures as legal and enforceable. Countries that follow this model give companies the opportunity to select different forms of signatures and customize their business processes based on the form that is most convenient and appropriate for each use case. Under the law, the signature method used must be either ‘(i) as reliable as appropriate for the purpose for which the electronic record was generated or communicated, or (ii) proven in fact to have identified the signatory and to indicate the signatory’s intention with respect to the information by itself or together with further evidence.’ Key Limitations The law excludes wills, negotiable instruments, powers of attorney and some real estate transactions. |
| South Africa | Electronic signature law Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, 2002 (Act No. 2S) Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Yes, as long as the parties consent to electronic signatures as per Section 13. Synopsis of the law South Africa generally follows the EU Directive on Electronic Signatures. It is considered a two-tier jurisdiction because it gives digital signatures the same status as handwritten signatures but also recognizes simple electronic signatures as legal and enforceable. Countries that follow this model give companies the opportunity to select different forms of signatures and customize their business processes based on the form that is most convenient and appropriate for each use case. Consent is the prerequisite for allowing electronic signatures. However, according to Section 13(5) of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Ad, if the parties have not agreed on a specific type of electronic signature, as long as there is a) a method to identify the person and to indicate the person’s approval of the information communicated; and b) the method is reliable and appropriate for the purpose for which the information was communicated, electronic signatures are also legal, admissible and enforceable in South Africa. Key restrictions The law excludes long-term leases; transfers of property; the execution, retention and presentation of wills; and bills of exchange. |
| Switzerland | Electronic signature law Federal Law on Electronic Signatures Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Yes, Article 14 of Federal Law on Electronic Signatures states that electronic signatures may replace handwritten signatures. Synopsis of the law Switzerland follows the UNCITRAL model law and is similar to the laws of many European Union member states. It is considered a two-tier jurisdiction because it gives digital signatures the same status as handwritten signatures but also recognizes simple electronic signatures as legal and enforceable. Countries that follow this model give companies the opportunity to select different forms of signatures and customize their business processes based on the form that is most convenient and appropriate for each use case. Key restrictions There are no noteworthy exceptions to the law, but some caution may be warranted in the areas of real estate, notarized documents and wills and trusts. |
| Taiwan | Electronic signature law Electronic Signatures Act 2001.11-14 Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Yes, The Article 9 of Electronic Signatures Act 2001.11-14 states that electronic signatures may replace handwritten signatures. Article 4 provides that if a law or regulation requires information be provided in writing, the requirement may be satisfied with an electronic record. Synopsis of the law Taiwan follows the UNITRAL model law and is similar to the laws of many European Union member states. It’s considered a two-tier jurisdiction because it gives digital signatures the same status as handwritten signatures but also recognizes simple electronic signatures as legal and enforceable. Countries that follow this model give companies the opportunity to select different forms of signatures and customize their business processes based on the form that is most convenient and appropriate for each use case. Key restrictions Getting expressed consent to do business electronically is particularly important in Taiwan. Taiwanese law does not view a party’s name on an email as an adequate electronic signature. A number of government agencies have issued bulletins exempting themselves from the law. |
| Thailand | Electronic signature law Electronic Transactions Act B.F. 2544 (2001) (ETA) Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Yes, Section 9 states that electronic signatures may replace handwritten signatures. Sections 7 and B provide that if a law or regulation requires information to be provided in writing, the requirement may be satisfied with an electronic record. Synopsis of the law ETA Section 13 provides that an offer or acceptance in entering into an agreement may be expressed by means of a data message. An agreement shall not be denied legal effect solely on the grounds that such offer or acceptance is made in the form of a data message. Electronic signatures are presumed valid unless proof to the contrary is produced. Key Limitations There are no critical exceptions to the law. |
| Turkey | Electronic signature law Electronic Signature Law (Elektronik Imza Kanunu) No:5070 Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Turkey follows the UNCITRAL model law and is similar to the laws of many European Union member states. However, its laws are focused solely on the legality of what are called digital, advanced or qualified electronic signatures. These types of signatures require that the signing party have a digital certificate that has been issued by a qualified service provider. Those advanced electronic signatures have the same legal effect as handwritten signatures. There is no clear provision for simple electronic signatures under the Turkish law. Synopsis of the law Articles 5 and 22 provide that advanced electronic signatures have the same status as handwritten signatures. The burden is on the party challenging such signatures to prove they are invalid. An agreement shall not be denied legal effect solely on the grounds that such offer or acceptance is made electronically. Key Limitations There are no critical exceptions to the law. |
| United States | Electronic signature law Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN) and Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Yes, both ESIGN Act and UETA provide that a signature will not be denied legal effect or enforceability solely because it is in electronic form. Synopsis of the law The federal government adopted ESIGN in 2000. In addition; every state has adopted an electronic signature law, with 47 adopting a version based on UETA. These minimalist, or permissive, laws permit the use of electronic signatures for virtually all types of agreements. However, it is important to obtain prior consent of all parties to conduct business electronically. Key Limitations The ESIGN Act and most state laws exclude real property transfers, wills and some legally required notices to consumers. |
| Uruguay | Electronic signature law Law No. 18.600 on Electronic Documents and Electronic Signatures Are electronic signatures legal, admissible and enforceable? Yes, the law allows the parties to agree privately to the form of signature. Synopsis of the law The law is somewhat unusual as it allows the parties to challenge consent after it has been given. That is, the parties may agree to transact business electronically and sign the document electronically, but this will not stop either party from challenging that consent at a later date. On the other hand, there is evidence that electronic signatures are used commonly in Uruguay and are submitted in court filings. Key Limitations One should be cautious of transactions that must be notarized or that relate to real estate. |
Legal Disclaimer:
This information is intended to help businesses understand the legal framework of electronic signatures. However, eMudhra cannot provide legal advice. This guide is not intended as legal advice and should not serve as a substitute for professional legal advice. You should consult with an attorney regarding specific legal questions.
