Difference between a Digital Signature and an Electronic Signature

Electronic Signature and

Digital Signature certificates are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between a Digital Signature and an Electronic Signature. Digital Signature is mainly used to secure documents. It is authorized by certification authorities, while an electronic Signature is often associated with a contract where the signer intends to do so. The present article briefs more details about the difference between a Digital Signature and an Electronic Signature.

Electronic Signature

A signature generally refers to the intention of acceptance of the information contained in a particular document. For the transactions that take place online, it is impossible to render the hand-written

Signature. For the same purpose, a concept called electronic Signature has been invented in the digital world. The electronic signature signifies the consent and acceptance given by the signatory, thereby binding the customer. E-signatures reflect the authenticity of a transaction. Cryptographic digital data create the Electronic Signature, and it is impossible to forge such e-signatures.

Electronic Signature under Indian Law

Electronic Signature has been brought into existence under Section 3A by the Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008.
Section 5 of the Information technology Act, 2000 considers the e-signature on par with physical signatures when they are done in the manner prescribed.
They are also admissible as evidence in the court of law as per Section 65-B of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
Section 67A of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 says that a signatory has to demonstrate that the Electronic Signature belongs to him in case of any dispute related to e-signature on any document arises.
Section 66C of the Information Technology Act, 2000 renders punishment and penalty for identity theft, which also includes an Electronic Signature.

Digital Signature

A digital signature is a type of electronic signature that is encrypted and assures a signer’s identity. The Digital Signature is usually authorized because trusted authorities conduct verification of a digital signature. The best part about a digital signature is that it is more secure as compared to an Electronic Signature.

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Difference between Electronic Signature and Digital Signature

Sl.No.	Feature	Electronic Signature	Digital Signature
1.	Purpose	An Electronic Signature is utilized for verifying a document.	A digital signature is used for securing a document.
2.	Verification	The verification of the Electronic Signature is not functioned by any trusted authorities.	The verification of a digital signature is performed by authorities or trusted service providers. DSC can be easily validated
3.	Security	It is less secure as compared to the digital signature. The involvement of security features is minimal.	It is more secure than Electronic Signatures. The involvement of security features is good.
4.	Authorization	This type of signature is generally not authorized.	This type of signature is guaranteed authorized.
5.	Usage	Common types of Electronic Signatures are verbal, electronic ticks, or scanned signatures.	Digital signatures are commonly based on Adobe and Microsoft.
6.	Integration of coding	It does not integrate any standards and coding.	The digital signature includes encryption standards.
7.	Advantages	Easy to use but the degree of evidential value is lower	Preferred over an Electronic Signature because of its higher level of authentication

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Digital Signature vs Electronic Signature: Key Differences.

An electronic signature is a digital representation of a person's intent to accept the information contained in a particular document. It reflects the authenticity of an online transaction and is created using cryptographic digital data, making it impossible to forge.

In India, electronic signatures are legally recognized and considered equivalent to physical signatures under the Information Technology Act, 2000. They are also admissible as evidence in court as per the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.

A digital signature is a type of electronic signature that is encrypted and assures the signer's identity. It is more secure than a regular electronic signature and is typically authorized by trusted authorities or service providers through verification processes.

Electronic signatures generally have minimal security features and are not authorized by trusted authorities. In contrast, digital signatures are more secure, incorporating encryption standards and undergoing verification processes by authorized service providers, making them more reliable and authorized.

Electronic signatures are suitable for general document verification and acceptance, while digital signatures are preferred for scenarios that require a higher level of authentication and security, such as legal contracts or sensitive financial transactions.

Digital signatures are commonly based on standards like Adobe and Microsoft, and they integrate encryption coding and standards to ensure secure authentication and verification processes.

Digital signatures offer a higher level of authentication and security compared to electronic signatures. They are authorized and verified by trusted authorities, making them more reliable and legally acceptable for critical documents and transactions.

While it is possible to implement advanced security measures for electronic signatures, in general, digital signatures are considered more secure due to their encryption standards, verification processes, and authorization by trusted authorities.

According to the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, in case of a dispute related to an electronic signature on any document, the signatory has to demonstrate that the electronic signature belongs to them.

Section 66C of the Information Technology Act, 2000 in India renders punishment and penalties for identity theft, which includes the unauthorized use or misrepresentation of electronic or digital signatures.