Digital Signatures Eliminate Traditional Documentation
Digital Signatures Simplify Life and Ensure Legal Certainty in the EU
In today's digital age, digital signatures are becoming increasingly common, offering numerous benefits for both individuals and businesses. Here's a breakdown of the key differences between three types of electronic signatures under the EU eIDAS regulation, and how they are transforming the way we sign documents.
The EU eIDAS regulation distinguishes three levels of electronic signatures: Simple Signature, Advanced Signature, and Qualified Signature.
- Simple Electronic Signature (SES) is the most basic form, requiring only electronic data attached to or logically associated with a document to indicate intent to sign. It offers no specific identity verification or cryptographic protection and is suitable for low-risk, everyday transactions such as internal approvals and consumer agreements.
- Advanced Electronic Signature (AES) offers stronger security by requiring that the signature is uniquely linked to the signatory, identifies the signatory, is created using cryptographic means under the sole control of the signer, and is linked to the signed data so any changes post-signing can be detected. AES involves digital certificates or cryptographic algorithms and robust identity verification, such as document/photo checks.
- Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) is the highest standard. It meets all AES requirements plus must be created using a qualified signature creation device and based on a qualified digital certificate issued by a qualified trust service provider. QES carries the same legal status as a handwritten signature across the EU and is typically used for the most sensitive or high-value transactions, where the highest security and indisputable authenticity are essential.
In practice, signing a document digitally involves opening a PDF, selecting the "Add digital signature" menu, verifying identity, entering a TAN or triggering a push confirmation, and saving the document in PDF/A format for later validation and archiving. After signing, the document must not be changed - even adding a logo would compromise its verifiability.
Digital signatures offer several advantages. They save time, reduce costs, and have environmental benefits, as they eliminate the need for paper, printers, and mail. Moreover, digital signatures offer verifiability, as any change in the document destroys the hash and is displayed as manipulation.
For instance, in Wuppertal, the parental leave application can already be submitted entirely online, and digital signatures are accepted, so no originals need to be submitted. This not only simplifies the process but also reduces the amount of paper used. In Germany, around 240 kg of paper per capita was used in 2018, making it a top figure in the G20. With the introduction of the EU Wallet, a simple tap on a smartphone will suffice to sign forms across Europe in the future.
Pricing models for digital signatures range from pay-per-signature (a few cents per QES) to flat-rate packages for heavy users. Services are qualified if they are listed in the official trust service database of the Federal Network Agency. A QES with Skribble offers security measures such as German hosting, regular security tests, and pen tests.
In conclusion, digital signatures simplify daily life by replacing printers, paper, and mail in many everyday scenarios. They are legally binding, user-friendly, and - if archived correctly - verifiable over decades. With the evolution of eIDAS and the introduction of the EU Wallet, the future of digital signatures looks promising, offering even more convenience and legal certainty for all.
In the digital age, adopting digital signatures as a lifestyle choice can be beneficial for both personal and professional activities, streamlining processes and reducing reliance on traditional methods such as paper and manual signing. The technology behind digital signatures, especially Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES), not only offers stronger security and legal certainty but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing paper consumption.
