There are various aspects to consider in terms of electronic signatures. Electronic signatures reduce the expenses and time allocations that paper-based approval processes require and produce legally binding electronic records. The legal basis for the use of different types of electronic signatures in Germany is provided by section 126 and 127 of the German Civil Code, section 2 and 3 of the Digital Signature Act (Signaturgesetz, SigG) and the German Digital Signature Ordinance (Signaturverordnung, SigV) .
KMmaster Life Science Edition and the integrated qualified electronic signature meet the highest security requirements.
Qualified electronic signature (section 2 subsection 3 SigG and section 126a German Civil Code)
- is an advanced electronic signature
- is created with a secure-signature-creation device and based on a qualified certificate at the time of the creation
- the secure-signature-creation device complies with the requirements of the Digital Signature Act (verification and validation by certification-service-provider)
- there this the manufacturer’s declaration confirming compliance of the device with Digital Signature Act and German Digital Signature Ordinance in accordance with section 17 SigG.
The qualified electronic signature of a document is the legally binding equivalent of the traditional handwritten signature. Advanced electronic signature (section 2 subsection 2 SigG and section 127 German Civil Code)
- is uniquely linked to the signatory
- is capable of identifying the signatory
- is created using means that the signatory can maintain under his sole control
- is linked to the data to which it relates in such a manner that any subsequent change of the data is detectable
Advanced electronic signature solutions must ensure the identification of the signatory of the document and the unique connection of the signature to the signatory. Advanced electronic signatures can be used for several purposes such as e-invoices.
Electronic signature (section 127 German Civil Code):
- is based on a simple concept and provides not sufficient information
- is not secure to prevent unauthorized modification of a document
- the signatory is not sufficiently identified
- the electronic signature is not sufficiently verified
Documents with electronic signature must be based on an evaluation of the evidence by a judicial authority.
The type of electronic signature is verified and if necessary approved by an authorized expert. With the electronic signature you can sign electronic documents such as email or PDF.
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