Usaldusteenus

Usaldusteenus, often translated as trust service, refers to a service that facilitates the creation and validation of electronic trust in digital transactions. In the European Union, the eIDAS Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 910/2014) defines and regulates various trust services, aiming to ensure that electronic transactions are as legally valid and secure as traditional paper-based ones.

Key types of usaldusteenused include electronic identification (eID), electronic signatures, electronic seals, time stamps, and registered delivery services. Electronic identification allows individuals and businesses to prove their identity online with a guaranteed level of assurance. Electronic signatures provide a way to sign documents electronically, ensuring the authenticity and integrity of the signed data. Electronic seals function similarly to signatures but are used by legal entities rather than individuals. Time stamps offer proof that specific data existed at a particular point in time, which is crucial for establishing the chronology of events. Registered electronic delivery services provide assurance that data has been sent and received between parties, preventing disputes over delivery.

These trust services are provided by qualified trust service providers (QTSPs) who are subject to strict security and legal requirements. The use of usaldusteenused enhances trust and security in the digital environment, fostering the development of the digital single market by enabling cross-border recognition of electronic transactions and trust-building measures. They are fundamental for secure online interactions, from signing contracts to accessing public services.