esigning

esigning refers to the process of creating or approving electronic signatures. An electronic signature is a broad legal concept that encompasses any indication of intent to sign electronically. This can range from simply typing one's name at the end of an email to using sophisticated digital signature technology that incorporates cryptographic methods for enhanced security and verification. The primary goal of esigning is to facilitate the execution of documents without the need for physical paper and ink.

The legal validity of esignatures is established by legislation in many jurisdictions, such as the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-SIGN Act) in the United States and the eIDAS regulation in the European Union. These laws generally stipulate that electronic signatures cannot be denied legal effect solely because they are in electronic form. Key requirements for a valid esignature often include the intent to sign, the ability to associate the signature with the document, and a process that ensures the integrity of the document and the signature.

Various technologies and platforms exist to support esigning. These can include standalone software, cloud-based services, and integrated solutions within larger business applications. The choice of esigning method often depends on factors such as the required level of security, the volume of documents to be signed, and the specific legal or regulatory requirements for the transaction. The adoption of esigning has significantly streamlined business processes, reduced costs associated with paper handling, and improved efficiency in various industries.