Allkirju

Allkirju is the Estonian term for signatures, marks by which a person authenticates a document and indicates consent to its terms. A signature can identify the signer and demonstrate their intent to be bound by the document. Signatures historically appear as handwritten marks but are now also produced electronically or digitally in many settings.

Legal significance: In many jurisdictions, a signature is required to form a binding agreement. It may serve as evidence of identity, approval, and date. Forgery or unauthorized signing is illegal and may nullify the document or create liability.

Types: Handwritten signatures on paper; electronic signatures created by electronic processes; digital signatures that use cryptographic methods and certificates. In the European Union, the qualified electronic signature (QES) carries the same legal effect as a handwritten signature under the eIDAS regulation.

Verification and security: Ink signatures can be verified by visual comparison or witnessed; notaries may attest. Digital signatures rely on cryptographic keys and digital certificates. Valid digital signatures provide integrity checks, attest to signer identity, and can be revoked or expired via certificate revocation lists and time-stamping.

Usage and standards: Signatures are used in contracts, authorizations, and official records. Modern workflows often require electronic or digital signatures for efficiency and traceability. Many systems rely on cryptographic standards and public-key infrastructure to ensure authenticity and non-repudiation.

History: The practice dates to ancient times as a means of proving agreement; over centuries signatures evolved with governance and commerce, culminating in modern electronic and digital signing technologies.