What does electronic signature mean?

What does electronic signature mean? Let's have a look!

Electronic signature is not the visualization of written signature, but a technology with identity authentication and information encryption as its core. "Electronic Signature Law of People's Republic of China (PRC)" defines an electronic signature as "contained in a data message in electronic form, accompanied by data for identifying the identity of the signer and indicating that the signer approves its contents. Realize the traditional paper signature or seal function through technical means, confirm the true identity of both parties to the transaction, and ensure the security, authenticity and non-repudiation of the transaction. "

Articles 5 to 8 of the Electronic Signature Law stipulate that electronic contracts that lock the true identity of the signer, effectively prevent document tampering, and accurately record the signing time shall be legally recognized. If you want to apply electronic signature to electronic contract signing, you'd better use the services of a third-party electronic signature platform. An electronic contract signed by a reliable electronic signature has the same legal effect as a paper contract signed or sealed by hand.

Electronic signature is the general name of modern authentication technology and an important guarantee for the security of e-commerce.

Knowledge expansion

The difference between electronic signature and handwritten signature

1 has different meanings.

Handwritten signatures can be seen everywhere in daily life. Simply put, write your own name. Handwritten signatures on paper documents are mainly used to determine the identity of the signer, indicating that the signer agrees with the contents specified in the signed documents, is responsible for the authenticity of the documents, and has legal effect.

Generally speaking, electronic signature is an electronic signature loaded on an electronic document through cryptographic technology, which can conveniently verify the identity information and signature information of the signature subject and whether the original text has been changed during transmission. It is worth mentioning that according to the Electronic Signature Law, a reliable electronic signature has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature or seal.

2, the scope of application is different

The scope of application of electronic signature documents is slightly limited, and it can not be applied to personal relationships such as marriage, adoption and inheritance at present; Involving stopping water supply, heating, gas supply, power supply and other public utilities services; And other circumstances in which electronic documents are not applicable as stipulated by laws and administrative regulations. The application scope of handwritten signature documents is not limited.

3. Different signature methods

Signing an electronic signature on an electronic file is to encrypt the electronic file and its stored message digest data with a private key, including automatic signature, click signature, SMS signature, video signature, etc. Handwritten signatures on various paper documents have obvious personality characteristics.

4. Different signature styles

Electronic signature is generally a graphic/image type, that is, a graphic or seal image composed of handwritten signature words with individual characteristics (but the effectiveness of electronic signature is not based on the graphic or image itself, but on the digital certificate behind it). Handwritten signature is a handwritten text with personal characteristics.

5. Different verification methods.

An electronic signature verifier has or can directly access the digital certificate (including public key) of the electronic signer to verify the authenticity of the signature in the electronic document and the identity of the signer. It is undeniable that the digital certificate issued by CA can be used as the basis for online identity authentication. Handwritten signature is to identify the individual characteristic information and handwriting of handwritten signature through visual comparison, so as to confirm the authenticity of handwritten signature. In order to enhance the reliability and non-repudiation of handwritten signatures, it is necessary to apply for notarization, resulting in additional costs.