Electronic Signature

GPEA Sec 1710 definitions:
The term "electronic signature" means a method of signing an electronic message that -

1. identifies and authenticates a particular person as the source of the electronic message; and
2. indicates such person's approval of the information contained in the electronic message.

Difference between Electronic Signatures and Digital Signatures
There is a clear difference between digital and electronic signatures, though these terms are often used interchangeably. The digital signatures (also known as Advanced or Secure Electronic Signatures) use cryptographic techniques. They are based on industry standard known as Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), which guarantees data integrity and non-repudiation of documents and transactions. The digital signature cannot be copied, tampered or altered.
While an Electronic signature is just a representation of a person in the form of an electronic image of the handwritten signature, symbol, voiceprint, etc. It can be copied or tampered with.

Laws regarding use of electronic signatures:

1. Croatia - Zakon o elektronickom potpisu - nn 10/02
2. US - Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN)
3. US - Uniform Electronic Transactions Act - adopted by 48 states (UETA)
4. US - Digital Signature And Electronic Authentication Law
5. US - Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA)
6. US - The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)
7. UK - s.7 Electronic Communications Act 2000
8. European Union - Electronic Signature Directive (1999/93/EC)
9. China - Law of the People’s Republic of China on Electronic Signature (effective April 1, 2005)
10. Mexico - E-Commerce Act [2000]
11. Costa Rica - Digital Signature Law 8454 (2005)
12. Slovenia - Slovene Electronic Commerce and Electronic Signature Act
13. South Africa - The Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25, 2002