Strengthen the evidential value of your integrated
electronic signature system
European courts are increasingly challenging the validity of electronic signatures, even when issued by qualified providers.
In response, some companies are developing in-house electronic signature solutions, enhanced with qualified timestamping and, in some cases, an electronic seal, to ensure maximum evidential value.
Our guarantees
to enhance the evidential value of electronic signatures
Enforceability
of the evidence file
Document every step of the technical procedures in your electronic signature process (e.g., SMS-based authentication, contract acceptance, etc.)
Reducing
signature costs
Control your expenses while enhancing the reliability of your electronic signatures
Enhanced
contractual security
Reduce unpaid invoices and strengthen trust in your business relationships with an electronic seal
Enhance the evidential value
of your electronic signatures with timestamping
The legal value of an electronic signature rests on three pillars: the identity of the signer, the integrity of the document, and the reliability of the process. Under the eIDAS regulation, only a qualified signature, supported by a certificate issued by a trusted service provider, enjoys a strong legal presumption of reliability. However, this level of signature is rarely used due to its cost; consequently, simple or advanced signatures are the most widely adopted.
Moreover, recent case law shows that courts now scrutinise the technical evidence file in detail, regardless of the signature level. A solid file must include a structured audit, a qualified timestamp ensuring a definitive date, clear documentation of the steps taken, and, when relevant, an electronic seal securing the entire process.
Indeed, integrating timestamping and electronic seals into your electronic signatures not only enhances their evidential value but also allows your company to secure contracts, protect commitments, and maintain an evidence file that is clear, consistent, and legally robust.
Optimise your electronic signatures
with qualified timestamping and electronic seals
A customised solution that enhances the evidential value of electronic signatures through qualified timestamping and electronic seals, ensuring the integrity, definitive date, and authenticity of every document.
Seamless integration: our services integrate effortlessly with your existing processes and tools, enabling quick, frictionless implementation via a simple API call.
Technical and legal expertise: our specialised teams guide you and provide ongoing support, helping you secure your digital transactions and confidently meet regulatory requirements.
How does it work?
Step 1
Understanding the challenges and defining the client company’s requirements
Step 2
The Evidency system connects with the Client’s system via a REST API
Step 3
The client defines the different steps of the electronic signature process to be timestamped, and the evidence file to be sealed, if desired
Step 4
Evidency receives the pre-encrypted logs, timestamps them, and returns the timestamp token to the client
Contact our experts to understand how to reinforce the probative value of your electronic signatures
FAQ
Electronic signature
How does an electronic signature work?
An electronic signature relies on a cryptographic mechanism that links the identity of a signatory to a digital document. When the document is signed, a unique digital fingerprint (hash) of the document is generated and then associated with the signatory’s certificate. Any subsequent modification of the document invalidates this fingerprint, thereby ensuring document integrity. Depending on the level of signature used (simple, advanced or qualified), the degree of identity verification and security varies. Under the eIDAS Regulation, the qualified electronic signature provides the highest level of assurance.
How can an electronic signature be verified?
Verification involves checking both the integrity of the document and the validity of the certificate used to sign it. A verification tool confirms that the document has not been altered since it was signed and that the certificate was valid at the time the signatory entered into the commitment. For qualified electronic signatures, verification also includes checking the European trust chain. The presence of an associated qualified timestamp may further strengthen the verification process by establishing the reliable date and time of the signature.
How can a qualified electronic signature be obtained?
To obtain a qualified electronic signature, it is necessary to use a Qualified Trust Service Provider (QTSP) within the meaning of the eIDAS Regulation. The identity of the signatory must first be verified through strict identification procedures before a qualified certificate can be issued. This certificate is then used through a secure signature creation device. This level of signature is generally recommended for documents carrying significant legal or regulatory implications.
How can an electronic signature be secured?
The security of an electronic signature relies on several elements: reliable identification of the signatory, the use of a recognised certificate, the integrity of the signed document, and, where appropriate, the association of a certified timestamp. Integrating the signature process within a secure environment, combined with full traceability of operations, further strengthens its evidential reliability. Combining a qualified electronic signature with qualified timestamping ensures both the identity of the signatory and the reliable date of the commitment.
How can an electronic signature certificate be obtained?
An electronic signature certificate is issued by a Trust Service Provider following verification of the applicant’s identity. This verification may take place face to face or through remote identification procedures that comply with applicable regulatory requirements. Once issued, the certificate allows the holder to sign digital documents securely with recognised legal effect. For qualified certificates, additional technical and organisational requirements apply in order to ensure a high level of trust.