In India, an electronic signature consists of different methods of attaching identity to a document; they use electronic process and can be as simple as a picture of a hand-written signature or could be as complex as a digital signature certificate generated using public key interface (PKI). Depending on the specific use case, different types maybe used- each offering different level of authentication of the identity attached. Moreover, the Government of India has promoted the use of digital technologies by Indian citizens and corporations. Electronic and certificate based digital signatures are regulated by the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act) and the following rules made under this Act:
- Information Technology (Certifying Authorities) Rules, 2000
- Digital Signature (End Entity) Rules, 2015
- Information Technology (Use of Electronic Records and Digital signatures) Rules, 2004 and
- Electronic Authentication Technique and Procedures Rules, 2015
The IT Act of 2000, according to its preamble, is a law that establishes legal recognition for transactions involving electronic data interchange and other forms of electronic communication, generally referred to as "electronic commerce," and that involve the use of non-paper-based methods of communication and information storage. As a result, an electronic signature is used to verify an electronic record.
An electronic signature can be in any form, such as- a text, sound, any pattern, password or a symbol. For e.g., various methods used to unlock our mobile system are all types of electronic signatures.
Electronic signatures have been recognized under the IT Act for over 21 years now and it provides for various benefits such as ease of doing business, streamlining the storage records, improving the safety, security, and cost effectiveness of records. As per the Indian law, a valid electronic signature must include an electronic authentication technique or procedure as specified under the Second Schedule of IT Act. Further, the second schedule currently prescribes the following e-KYC authentication techniques and procedures:
An electronic signature can be in any form, such as- a text, sound, any pattern, password or a symbol. For e.g., various methods used to unlock our mobile system are all types of electronic signatures.
Electronic signatures have been recognized under the IT Act for over 21 years now and it provides for various benefits such as ease of doing business, streamlining the storage records, improving the safety, security, and cost effectiveness of records. As per the Indian law, a valid electronic signature must include an electronic authentication technique or procedure as specified under the Second Schedule of IT Act. Further, the second schedule currently prescribes the following e-KYC authentication techniques and procedures:
- Aadhaar e-KYC
- Other e-KYC services (e.g., e-KYC using PAN)
- Through trusted third parties