Vertrauensdienstenanbietern

Vertrauensdienstenanbietern, often translated as Trust Service Providers (TSPs), are entities that offer services related to electronic trust. In the European Union, their activities are primarily regulated by the eIDAS Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 910/2014). TSPs provide a range of services that enable secure and legally recognized electronic transactions. These services include the issuance of qualified electronic certificates for individuals and legal entities, which serve to authenticate the identity of a person or organization in the digital realm.

Another key service offered by TSPs is the creation and validation of qualified electronic signatures and seals. Electronic signatures are the digital equivalent of a handwritten signature, providing assurance of the signatory's intent and the integrity of the signed document. Qualified electronic seals function similarly but are used by legal entities to guarantee the origin and integrity of documents. TSPs are also involved in providing qualified time stamping services, which attach a date and time to electronic data, proving that the data existed at a certain point in time. Furthermore, they may offer secure electronic registered delivery services, which provide proof of the transmission and delivery of electronic data.

For a TSP to be recognized as a "qualified" trust service provider under eIDAS, they must meet stringent requirements concerning their reliability, security practices, and the accuracy of the information they provide. These qualified TSPs are listed in national trust lists and their services have a legal standing equivalent to traditional paper-based methods across all EU member states. This harmonization facilitates cross-border trust and secure electronic interactions within the EU.