Types of Electronic or Digital Signatures
Three signature levels—SES, AES, QES—each offering different trust and security.
Types of Electronic Signatures
Electronic signatures are generally classified into three levels under regulations such as eIDAS (EU):
1. Simple Electronic Signature (SES)
A Simple Electronic Signature (SES) is any electronic data used to indicate acceptance or intent.
Examples
Typing a name
Clicking “I Agree”
Uploading a scanned signature
Email confirmation
Characteristics
Confirms intent
Does not inherently verify identity
May include audit logs or document sealing (not mandatory)
Lowest level of assurance
Example: Approving an internal memo.
2. Advanced Electronic Signature (AES)
An Advanced Electronic Signature (AES) provides higher assurance of signer identity and document integrity.
Must Meet the Following Requirements
Be uniquely linked to the signer
Be capable of identifying the signer
Be under the signer’s sole control
Detect document modifications (signature becomes invalid if altered)
Common Implementations May Include
OTP-based verification
Biometric verification
Secure cryptographic binding
Tamper-evident controls
Example: Signing vendor agreements or NDAs.
3. Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)
A Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) provides the highest level of legal assurance under eIDAS.
Key Characteristics
Created using a qualified digital certificate
Issued by a licensed Certificate Authority
Legally equivalent to handwritten signatures in the EU
In India, This Corresponds To
Digital Signature Certificates (DSC)
Issued by licensed Certifying Authorities under the IT Act, 2000
Example: Government filings, regulated financial statements.
Recommendation
While SES may be legally valid in many cases, AES or QES/DSC-based signatures are recommended for sensitive, high-value, or regulated transactions.
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