Question 1

Do both parties need to have a qualified certificate to sign the contract?

Accepted Answer

There are three types of electronic signature: a simple electronic signature (SES), an advanced electronic signature (AES) and a qualified electronic signature (QES). Only a qualified electronic signature based on a valid qualified certificate has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature. For electronic documents, it is worth to use this signature, because it ensures validity.

Question 2

Can one party use an electronic signature and the other one a wet-ink signature?

Accepted Answer

To be sure that the signed contract is binding, it is worth for both parties to use a qualified electronic signature. 
If one party does not have a qualified certificate, they can try an electronic signature. The e-signature allows signing business and public administration contracts. If a qualified or electronic signature is not an option, it is recommended to sign the contract manually.

Question 3

What is Adobe announcing?

Accepted Answer

On July 1st, the European Union’s new Regulation on Identification and Trust Services (eIDAS) will take effect, setting new rigorous requirements for secure signatures in a way that is expected to influence the entire global industry. In order to make it simple for EU businesses and government entities to successfully comply with this new regulation, Adobe and twelve other industry-leading organizations are announcing the Cloud Signature Consortium.

Question 4

What is the Cloud Signature Consortium?

Accepted Answer

The Cloud Signature Consortium is a group of industry and academic organizations committed to building a new standard for cloud-based digital signatures that will support web and mobile applications and comply with the most demanding electronic signature regulations in the world. The goal is to provide a common technical specification that will make solutions interoperable and suitable for uniform adoption in the global market. This effort was inspired by the need to meet the highest level requirements of the European Union’s Regulation on Identification and Trust Services (eIDAS), but its impact is expected to be global as demand for highly secure digital solutions continues to rise.

Question 5

What problem does the Consortium solve?

Accepted Answer

With over 7B mobile devices on the planet and cyber-threats at an all-time high, there is increasing market demand for highly secure digital solutions that also provide great user experiences. New regulations – like eIDAS – amplify that demand by creating higher standards for electronic signature compliance.

By providing a common protocol for cloud-based Digital Signatures, the Cloud Signature Consortium will make it possible for industry providers to build experiences that span desktop, mobile and web – and meet market expectations to sign documents anytime, anywhere, and in any application.

Question 6

Why is the Consortium important to the industry?

Accepted Answer

Compelling digital experiences are changing the way we interact, entertain, work, and relate to the world around us. Consumers and businesses alike not only expect – but demand – simple and engaging products and services from the technology industry. They want to acquire new capabilities quickly and easily, use them without extensive training, and work with them wherever they are. Unfortunately, today’s most secure methods for signing documents digitally don’t meet these expectations.

With digital signatures, document signing requires the use of a digital ID issued by a trusted certificate provider – which are sometimes delivered online, but more often requires an in-person visit. The key for that digital ID is stored on a secure signature creation device, such as a smart card or USB token that plugs into a desktop computer or laptop. The signing process not only requires specifically-installed software, but is often complicated to use – and can’t be done at all if the signer’s computer or key aren’t immediately available. And because smart cards and tokens can’t easily be used with web applications or mobile devices, choices are extremely limited when it comes to working with popular enterprise web applications (such as Salesforce or Workday), or empowering mobile workers.

Recent regulations – like eIDAS in the European Union – make the need for addressing this gap a critical priority. eIDAS demonstrates a clear preference for digital signatures using these more secure methods. With today’s solutions though, compliant processes can only be built by sacrificing user experience, working with a limited number of business applications, or deploying proprietary solutions that may cause interoperability problems in the future.

The Cloud Signature Consortium was specifically convened to address these shortcomings. Inspired by the eIDAS Regulation, which introduces the idea of “remote signatures”, the Consortium’s goal is to create an actionable specification that turns vision into reality. Remote signature creation devices would replace personal devices under the physical control of the user with a cloud-based service offered and managed by a trusted service provider. While still maintaining the highest levels of security and control, this more flexible approach would make it easy for users to enroll and use certificates online. It would also let providers build elegant, easy-to-use experiences that span desktop, web, and mobile usage so participants can complete signing processes anytime, anywhere, and in any application.

Question 7

How does the Consortium add value to eIDAS?

Accepted Answer

The European Commission has worked hard to bring eIDAS to life. And yet, they realize that enabling broad adoption of digital signatures in Europe will take more than just a regulation. To be successful, they need a complete ecosystem of solutions, technology, and trust service providers that are fully aligned in support of eIDAS requirements. The Consortium’s leadership in developing this standard demonstrates critical industry commitment to the success of digital transformation in Europe as a single digital market.

Question 8

Which signature should I choose?

Accepted Answer

We recommend modern signature SimplySign, which can be used anywhere in the world. You just need computer, smartphone or tablet and Internet access.

Question 9

What documents should I prepare to receive a certificate?

Accepted Answer

All you need is a valid ID card or passport. In some situations, additional documents may be needed, such as confirmation of assigning a PESEL number, business records and power of attorney.

Question 10

Is the PESEL number necessary to obtain a certificate?

Accepted Answer

No. To obtain a certificate the PESEL number is not needed, but it is required if the signed by electronic signature documents are about to be delivered to the Tax Office in Poland, the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) or another institution.

Question 11

Is it possible to sign the ESPD with the SimplySign signature?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With our signature, you can sign the ESPD. With the SimplySign signature, you can sign many more documents.

Question 12

Is your signature issued with the SHA2 hash function?

Accepted Answer

Yes. According to the applicable Polish and European regulations, the signature we issue has the function of the SHA2 abbreviation.

Question 13

Do you deal with assigning a PESEL number?

Accepted Answer

We help in obtaining a PESEL number for people from Poland and abroad.

Question 14

Can I come with a power of attorney to confirm my identity?

Accepted Answer

No. The personal appearance of the person applying for signature is required.

Question 15

Do all CEOs need a qualified certificate to sign financial statement?

Accepted Answer

In the light of the applicable regulations, as of 25/02/2019, all members of the management board who represent the company should have an electronic signature. All these people should sign the financial statement. The exception may be one selected person who, having a trusted profile, can sign the annual balance sheet with it. Other members should sign the report with qualified certificates.

Question 16

What does an electronic signature provide?

Accepted Answer

Digital signatures supply integrity protection, that means no one has interfered with the content of the document. It also provides sender authentication, i.e. identification of the person signing the document. Electronic signatures give non-repudiation, meaning that a contracting party cannot deny the authenticity of their signature.

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