Simple Electronic Signature: Meaning and Examples
The basic electronic-signature category, distinct from the additional requirements for advanced and qualified signatures.
- SES is the commonly used label for the basic electronic-signature concept.
- Typed or drawn signatures can serve as SES, depending on context and intent.
- SES does not automatically satisfy advanced or qualified requirements.
What is a simple electronic signature?
A simple electronic signature (SES) is the common label for the basic electronic-signature concept under EU eIDAS: electronic data associated with other electronic data and used by a person to sign. The Regulation defines “electronic signature”; “simple” is a distinguishing label, rather than a separate definition in Article 3.
What can count as SES?
A deliberately typed name or a signature drawn on a screen can serve as an electronic signature. The European Commission's overview of signature levels gives a name written under an email as a possible example. Context and the person's intention matter; a name merely appearing in a document is not automatically a signing act.
A clear click-to-accept process may also record assent. The label SES does not specify a mandatory identity-check method or mean that the process keeps no evidence.
How is SES different from AES and QES?
Advanced electronic signatures must satisfy additional signer-identification, control and integrity requirements. Qualified electronic signatures add a qualified certificate and qualified creation device.
A simple signature is not automatically unenforceable because it is not qualified. Equally, it is not automatically suitable for every document. Check applicable formalities and required signature levels before choosing it.
A Common Case: Acknowledging an administrative policy
For an Illinois clinic’s administrative policy acknowledgment, an employee might type their name and confirm acceptance. The HR team keeps the policy version and acceptance record, after checking that this document can use the selected signing method.
FAQs
Is a typed name always a simple electronic signature?
No. It must be used as a signing act in the relevant context; a name appearing on its own does not establish that intention.
Does simple mean there is no audit trail?
No. SES does not prescribe the absence of evidence. A simple-signature workflow can retain signing events and other records.
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