Digital signature

Definizione

A digital signature is a form of electronic signature that uses cryptography to verify the signer's identity and prove the document has not been altered. Under the EU eIDAS Regulation a qualified electronic signature carries the same legal effect as a handwritten one, making digital signing a cornerstone of contract automation.

Esempio

Both parties sign a framework agreement remotely with qualified e-signatures, and it is legally binding without any paper.

Perché rappresenta un rischio aziendale

Using simple image-based signatures or unsigned email exchanges for material agreements creates evidentiary and authenticity risks. If the counterparty disputes a signed document or claims the text was altered after signature, a basic scan offers little protection. The bigger operational risk is that without a defined signing process, signed contracts end up scattered across inboxes rather than logged in a repository where deadlines and obligations can be tracked.

Come gestirlo

• Select the appropriate signature level for each contract type: simple e-signatures for low-risk agreements, advanced or qualified for high-value or regulated transactions.
• Ensure the signing platform retains the signature certificate and a hash of the document, not just an image, so authenticity can be verified later.
• Log signed contracts in the contract register immediately after execution, linking the signed document to its renewal and obligation deadlines.
• Keep the signing audit trail, including timestamps, IP addresses and certificate data, alongside the signed document for the retention period.
• Check whether the agreement type requires a formal deed or wet ink signature under applicable law, since some transactions cannot be completed by digital signature alone.

Riferimenti normativi

• Reg. 910/2014 EU eIDAS Regulation, electronic identification and trust services

Salvo diversa indicazione, i riferimenti riguardano il diritto olandese (Burgerlijk Wetboek, il Codice Civile olandese); gli strumenti UE come il GDPR si applicano in tutta l'UE. Si tratta di informazioni generali, non di consulenza legale. Altre giurisdizioni trattano questi concetti in modo diverso. Verifichi il testo vigente e la propria situazione con un avvocato qualificato.