Definition of Electronic Signature
As defined in Section 7(2) of the Electronic Communications Act 2000, an electronic signature is anything in electronic form as:
(a) is incorporated into or otherwise logically associated with any electronic communication or electronic data; and
(b) purports to be used by the individual creating it to sign
Notably absent in the definition is the requirement that the signature resemble a written signature as one would write on a paper form. Although electronic signatures often take the form of a traditional signature written on a touch screen using your finger, or drawn into a box on a web page using your mouse, there is no requirement that an electronic signature needs to take this form.
Examples of Electronic Signature
An electronic signature can take many forms, some examples include:
- typing the name of a person at the bottom of an email, word-processing document, or web page
- a person typing his name into a contract or into an email containing the terms of a contract
- a manuscript signature that is scanned and becomes a graphic image that is inserted into a document
- the clicking of an 'I accept' button or icon on a web page where the intention is to enter into a legal obligation
(Source: Law Society)
In conclusion, it's important to recognize that electronic signatures can take many forms, from typing a name to clicking an 'I accept' button, and all these actions can legally bind you to a contract. Understanding these variations ensures you are fully aware of when you are committing to an agreement electronically.
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Updated on 19/06/2024 by David Wood
As senior cloud solutions architect at TelephoneSystems.cloud, with a degree in computing, I bring over 29 years of extensive experience in cloud technology.