Which Countries First Implemented E-Signatures

Electronic signatures – sometimes referred to as digital signatures – are a form of technology that has gained significant acceptance all around the world. The legal framework in most countries around the world has given e-signatures the same legal status as physical signatures with just a few exceptions.

In general, the development of e-signatures began in the late 90s just before the turn of the century. During that period, a handful of countries were amongst the first few to make regulations that allow for the use of e-signatures. This article is going to discuss the first countries to implement e-signatures.

United States

The United States of America was amongst the first countries to recognize electronic signatures as legal appendages with similar legal status as physical signatures. The 1999 Uniform Electronic Transaction Act was the first step that established the legal framework that defines the use of electronic signatures in America. This Act provided a detailed description of regulations that govern the use of electronic signatures across all states, territories, and the District of Columbia. In 2000, the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Act was created. This act together with the one enacted in 1999 provides electronic signatures as the legal framework to be used within America.

Australia

The law within Australia recognized the use the e-signatures about the same time it was adopted within America. The legal framework that allows the use of electronic signatures is similar in the two countries. In 1999, the Electronic Transactions Act defined the use of e-signatures in Australia. Just like in America, electronic signatures can be used for a wide range of purposes with a few exceptions. Nonetheless, the Australian Act does not permit the use of e-signatures on documents that relate to migration, and citizenship.

Canada

The 1999 provincial Uniform Electronic Commerce Act formally recognized e-signatures as a legal signature that can be used within Canada. This regulation gave e-signatures the same legal status as physical signatures within the nine provinces in Canada. After about five years, the use of e-signature was adopted at the federal level through the enactment of the 2004 Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act.

South Korea

Just like America, Australia, and Canada, South Korea formally recognized the use of e-signatures in 1999. This regulation forms the basis for the use of e-signatures by defining the security requirements that is necessary to validate the use of such a type of signature. the Digital Signature Act of 1999 and the Korean Electronic Signature Act provide a broad framework on which e-signatures are used within South Korea. Additionally, e-signatures are acceptable in a court of law within the country.

Other Countries and Territories

The recognition of e-signatures within America was the catalyst that rapidly prompted other countries and territories to adopt similar regulations. In 200,o the United Kingdom, Japan, and Hong Kong all formally recognized the use of e-signatures. Soon after, many other countries and territories followed the footsteps of these countries by accepting the use of e-signatures within their jurisdictions.

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