Electronic signature
Electronic signatures are a technical procedure for verifying the unchanged state of a document, an electronic message, or other electronic data since the time of signature, as well as the identity of the person who signed it.
Functionality
For the creation of electronic signatures that comply with the ESigA and are hence recognised, the signatory must have:
Effect
Thanks to the confirming electronic signature of the recognised certification service provider contained in the certificate, the recipient can trust the details about the signatory contained in the signatory's certificate, unless information is restricted (e.g. alias instead of real name). The certification service provider is also referred to as a trusted third party.