eIDAS: Paving the way for secure and cross-border digital signatures
Esben Emborg
Lead Product Designer
LinkedIn
How do we use it in Addo Sign?
With Addo Sign it is possible to easily and seamlessly send and receive documents from other countries compliant with eIDAS regulations – whether it is contracts, invoices, statements ect. Addo Sign is an electronic signature solution that aims to simplify the process of signing documents electronically. Because Addo Sign complies with eIDAS standards, signatures created using Addo Sign are accepted and legally binding in all EU member states, enhancing the ease of cross-border transactions.
Introduction
Reliable digital signatures are essential as more interactions take place online. Enter eIDAS, a revolutionary rule that is revolutionizing the usage of digital signatures. In this article, we explore eIDAS's importance, uses, and effects on international digital signatures.
eIDAS stands out as an assurance of efficiency, security, and trust in the digital age. It simplifies cross-border transactions and raises the legitimacy of digital transactions by standardizing electronic signatures and trust services. eIDAS-compliant solutions become the cornerstone of safe electronic transactions as online activities grow.
What is eIDAS?
The Electronic Identification, Authentication, and Trust Services (eIDAS) regulation is a European Union (EU) regulation that was established to create a standardized framework for electronic transactions, digital signatures, and trust services across member states. Enforced in 2016 eIDAS aims to facilitate secure and seamless cross-border electronic interactions while ensuring the highest level of data protection and trust.
How is eIDAS used?
eIDAS is pivotal in enabling secure electronic transactions when using digital signatures, electronic seals, timestamps, electronic registered delivery services, and more. One of it's most notable components is it's recognition of electronic signatures as legally binding and equivalent to handwritten signatures across EU member states.
Digital signatures generated under the eIDAS framework utilize Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) technology. PKI involves a pair of cryptographic keys: a private key that only the signatory possesses, and a public key that is available to anyone. When a document is signed digitally, the private key generates a unique digital fingerprint that is attached to the document. The public key is used by the recipient to verify the authenticity and integrity of the signature.
Benefits of eIDAS-compliant digital signatures
Legal validity: Digital signatures created under eIDAS are legally valid and enforceable across all EU member states. This uniform recognition enhances the credibility of electronic transactions.
Cross-border recognition: eIDAS ensures that digital signatures created in one member state are recognized and accepted in others. This is crucial for businesses and individuals engaging in cross-border transactions.
Data security: The stringent security measures enforced by eIDAS, including the use of cryptographic techniques, protect the integrity of electronic transactions, mitigating the risk of fraud or unauthorized access.
Paperless efficiency: By eliminating the need for physical signatures and paperwork, eIDAS-compliant digital signatures streamline processes, reduce costs, and contribute to an eco-friendly way of conducting business.
eIDAS across EU member states
All EU member states are mandated to comply with the eIDAS regulation, creating a harmonized digital environment that fosters trust and consistency. The regulation applies to all 27 member states and prevails over national law. Due to its EEA relevance, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland also implemented eIDAS into their national law. Countries such as Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom have widely embraced eIDAS and integrated it into their legal and administrative frameworks.
Recent changes in eIDAS regulations
On June 3rd, 2021, the final eIDAS 2.0 was proposed to address eIDAS's shortcomings and create a process that will make it even easier for everyone to create a recognized digital identity. In general, eIDAS 2.0 is an update and enhancement of the first version. It establishes the idea of qualified trust service providers and broadens the scope of the rule to cover more varieties of electronic trust services. Furthermore, eIDAS 2.0 seeks to develop a more streamlined and secure digital environment inside the EU by establishing unified requirements and standards for electronic identity and trust services.
Choosing the right digital signature solution
As businesses seek reliable digital signature solutions, it is essential to ensure that the chosen platform is eIDAS compliant. An eIDAS-compliant solution guarantees legal recognition and cross-border validity, making it an indispensable asset for organizations engaged in international transactions.