Electronic signatures are legally binding in almost all countries around the world, including the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and others, with more and more individuals and organisations transitioning to electronic signatures every day.

Here’s a closer look at the legality of worldwide electronic signatures.

United Kingdom: For companies across the UK, the Electronic Identity and Trust Services for Electronic Transactions Regulation 2016 and the Electronic Communications Act 2000 make electronic signatures legal. In the UK, COUNTASIGN is consistent with the electronic signature rules.

European Union: The prevailing EU directive on electronic signatures, known as eSignatures Directive 1999/93/EC, was replaced by the latest Electronic Identification and Trust Services Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, known as eIDAS. It ensures progress for individuals, companies and public authorities in online transactions in two areas: electronic identification services and trust services. COUNTASIGN is compliant with the eIDAS.

United States: The United States acknowledges the authenticity and enforceability of electronic signatures under the Uniform Electronic. Transactions Act (UETA) 1999 and the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN) 2000. COUNTASIGN complies with The ESIGN Act.

Rest of the world: Today, a majority of countries around the world have developed their own collection of electronic signature and digital transaction laws and standards. As electronic signature adoption continues to increase worldwide, the number of countries employing such regulations will also increase.