- Electronic Signature: An electronic signature, or e-signature, refers to data in electronic form, which is logically associated with other data in electronic form and which is used by the signatory.
- Advanced electronic signature: the e-signature that must meet several requirements:
- Uniquely identified to the signatory
- Allow identification of the signatory.
- Created using the electronic signature creation data, so the signatory can use under his sole control.
- Linked to the data signed by the signatory so that any subsequent change in data is detectable
- Qualified electronic signature: An advanced electronic signature that is created by a qualified signature creation device and which is based on a qualified certificate for electronic signatures.
1. An electronic signature shall not be denied legal effect and admissibility as evidence in legal proceedings solely on the grounds that it is in an electronic form or that it does not meet the requirements for qualified electronic signatures.
2. A qualified electronic signature shall have the equivalent legal effect of a handwritten signature.
3. A qualified electronic signature based on a qualified certificate issued in one Member State shall be recognised as a qualified electronic signature in all other Member States.