What legislation allows for the use of electronic signatures in accordance with specific terms?

What legislation allows for the use of electronic signatures in accordance with specific terms?

• A. Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act
• B. Electronic Transactions Act
• C. Digital Signature Act
• D. Uniform Electronic Transactions Act

Answer: (A)

The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN Act) is the correct response as it specifically provides a comprehensive legal framework for the use of electronic signatures in transactions and communications, ensuring that they hold the same legal weight as traditional handwritten signatures when certain conditions are met. Enacted in 2000, the ESIGN Act aimed to facilitate electronic commerce by establishing the validity, legality, and enforceability of electronic signatures and records in both interstate and foreign commerce. It lays out specific terms and requirements for the use of electronic signatures, including the necessity for consent to conduct business electronically and ensuring that the signer has access to the information in an electronic format. While other acts, such as the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) and the Electronic Transactions Act, also address electronic signatures and transactions, they may operate at a more state-specific or limited scope than the federal ESIGN Act, which encompasses a broader application across the United States. The Digital Signature Act predominantly deals with the validation and use of digital signatures, thus focusing primarily on technology-specific aspects rather than the broader category of electronic signatures defined by the ESIGN Act.

The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN Act) is the correct response as it specifically provides a comprehensive legal framework for the use of electronic signatures in transactions and communications, ensuring that they hold the same legal weight as traditional handwritten signatures when certain conditions are met. Enacted in 2000, the ESIGN Act aimed to facilitate electronic commerce by establishing the validity, legality, and enforceability of electronic signatures and records in both interstate and foreign commerce. It lays out specific terms and requirements for the use of electronic signatures, including the necessity for consent to conduct business electronically and ensuring that the signer has access to the information in an electronic format.

While other acts, such as the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) and the Electronic Transactions Act, also address electronic signatures and transactions, they may operate at a more state-specific or limited scope than the federal ESIGN Act, which encompasses a broader application across the United States. The Digital Signature Act predominantly deals with the validation and use of digital signatures, thus focusing primarily on technology-specific aspects rather than the broader category of electronic signatures defined by the ESIGN Act.