Consigne
What the signature is worth
What an electronic signature actually proves, and what it takes to defend it.
An electronic signature is not worth something because it is electronic: it is worth what it can prove. And what it can prove is three concrete things.
All three, together
Each one alone can be argued with. Together, not so: if the document carries a fingerprint no later change could match, the time is certified by a third party, and there is a record that the signer received a code on their phone and entered it, anyone disputing it has to explain how all of that happened without them.
How much checking is right
| What you are signing | Reasonable checking |
|---|---|
| An internal authorisation | Email. The signer is already identified by their account |
| A contract with a third party | Code to their phone. Adds something only that person has |
| A significant financial commitment | Phone code plus identity document |
Watch out
Some documents must by law be signed before a notary or with a qualified signature. No platform replaces that; if you are unsure about a specific document, ask your adviser first.
›Is it valid outside Spain?
The European framework (eIDAS) recognises electronic signatures across the EU. Outside, it depends on the country.
›What if the signer denies it was them?
That is what the evidence is for: time, device, code received on their number.
›Do I need to keep the PDF?
You can, but the copy with the evidence lives on the platform and can be verified without it.
A real case
The situation
A supplier denies having accepted a contract term two years later.
What you do
- The signed document is retrieved
- Fingerprint, certified time and the record of the code sent to their phone are checked
What you get
The argument ends without lawyers: what is on record admits only one reading.
The situation
A signer denies having signed.
What you do
- Opens the evidence chain
What you get
The code, the device and the time are on record.
The situation
There is a question whether it counts as much as a paper signature.
What you do
- Compares what is recorded in each case
What you get
It becomes clear that on paper the time is almost never recorded.
The situation
The signature must be defended before a third party.
What you do
- Provides the document with its evidence
What you get
The third party verifies for themselves.
The situation
A sensitive document was signed at a low level.
What you do
- Reviews the level criteria by document type
What you get
The level matches the risk from the start.
The situation
Only a screenshot was kept.
What you do
- Keeps the original signed document
What you get
The proof is the file rather than an image.
This article answers
- is an electronic signature legally valid
- what is a digital signature worth
- does it hold up in court
- simple vs qualified signature