How Do Electronic Signatures Work?

In order for a contract to be valid and enforceable, a number of requirements need to be fulfilled. Above all, a key requirement is a signature by the involved parties. Have you signed an electronic contract and are now wondering about your rights and the enforceability of the contract? Are you unsure about whether electronic signatures operate in the same way that pen-to-paper signatures work? It is important that you know your contractual rights when entering into contracts electronically and whether or not your electronic signature is binding. Therefore, this article goes through:
- electronic signatures in Australia;
- how they operate; and
- whether they operate differently from other means of entering into a contract.
What is an Electronic Signature?
An electronic signature can be defined as a signature that is used on an electronic document and is intended to be a signature. For example, this may be a scan of a person’s signature into a contract or text on an email.
An ‘electronic signature’ is a broader concept than that of a ‘digital signature’, which is a mathematical process for determining the authenticity of a digital message. Keep in mind, however, that a digital signature is a type of electronic signature.
Software such as DocuSign and Adobe EchoSign are examples of software used to create digital signatures.
What Are the Applicable Laws?
The Electronic Transactions Act was enforced in 1999 and established electronic signatures in Australia. As a result, under Australian law, contracts are held to be enforceable if the parties:
- make them verbally;
- have physically signed the document with a wet-ink; or
- use electronic signatures.
There are different laws in each state and territory that govern electronic signatures:
State or Territory |
Law |
New South Wales |
Electronic Transactions Act 2000 (NSW) |
Queensland |
Electronic Transactions (Queensland) Act 2001 (Qld) |
Victoria |
Victoria: Electronic Transactions (Victoria) Act 2000 (Vic) |
Australian Capital Territory |
Electronic Transactions Act 2001 (ACT) |
South Australia |
Electronic Transactions Act 2000 (SA) |
Western Australia |
Electronic Transactions Act 2011 (WA) |
Tasmania |
Electronic Transactions Act 2000 (Tas) |
Validity of Electronic Signatures
You must satisfy three standard criteria in all Australian states and territories to ensure the validity of an electronic signature. These include:
- the recipient must consent to receive information electronically;
- the signing method must identify the person sending the information and indicate that the content of the electronic document that has been signed is approved by them; and
- having regard to all of the transaction’s circumstances, the signing method is as reliable as is appropriate for the purpose for which the electronic document was created. Alternatively, evidence of the signor’s identity and their approval of the electronic document’s contents must be explicit in the document or otherwise available in some other manner.
However, if for whatever reason, the recipient does not consent, the electronic signature will not be effective. As a result, this will likely require some prior familiarity and an agreed process between the parties to the document.
There is currently no feasible way to verify the signor’s identity with absolute certainty using digital signature tools. Therefore, this can be the biggest risk or roadblock for electronic signatures. However, you can sometimes achieve identification through digital certificates or fingerprints.
Exceptions to Validity and Use of Electronic Signatures
In each state and territory, different exceptions apply to the validity and use of electronic signatures. However, the six main categories of exceptions exist that might be applicable in different states and territories include:
- documents that are required to be witnessed;
- documents to be personally served;
- court documents;
- deeds,
- powers of attorney; and
- wills.
For instance, the Courts have determined that deeds must be executed on paper and signed by hand. This is because deeds are a unique class of document capable of assigning obligations without consideration. Additionally, deeds must be witnessed in order to be executed. Whether or not a witness can sign electronically is a matter of debate in the legal field. Traditionally, the courts also require deeds to be printed on:
- paper;
- parchment; or
- vellum.
Some interpretations of the law suggest that deeds that only exist as a soft copy may not take effect as a deed. As a result, deeds are typically not signed electronically.
Key Takeaways
Electronic signatures are becoming more common in today’s day and age. Therefore, you should know your contractual rights when entering into electronic contracts and whether your electronic signature is binding. Therefore, if you are entering into a contract electronically and would like assistance, contact LegalVision’s contract lawyers on 1300 544 755 or fill out the form on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
An electronic signature is a signature that is used on an electronic document and is intended to be a signature. For example, a scan of a person’s signature into a contract or text on an email is a signature.
To ensure the validity of an electronic signature, you must satisfy three criteria. Firstly, the recipient must consent to receiving information electronically. Secondly, the signing method must identify the person sending the information and indicate that the content of the electronic document that has been signed is approved by them.
Thirdly, the signing method must be as reliable as is appropriate for the purpose of the electronic document’s creation.
How Franchisors Can Avoid Misleading and Deceptive Conduct
Wednesday 18 May | 11:00 - 11:45am
Online
New Kid on the Blockchain: Understanding the Proposed Laws for Crypto, NFT and Blockchain Projects
Wednesday 25 May | 10:00 - 10:45am
Online
How to Expand Your Business Into a Franchise
Thursday 26 May | 11:00 - 11:45am
Online
Day in Court: What Happens When Your Business Goes to Court
Thursday 2 June | 11:00 - 11:45am
Online
How to Manage a Construction Dispute
Thursday 9 June | 11:00 - 11:45am
Online
Startup Financing: Venture Debt 101
Thursday 23 June | 11:00 - 11:45am
Online
Was this article helpful?
We appreciate your feedback – your submission has been successfully received.
About LegalVision: LegalVision is a commercial law firm that provides businesses with affordable and ongoing legal assistance through our industry-first membership.
By becoming a member, you'll have an experienced legal team ready to answer your questions, draft and review your contracts, and resolve your disputes. All the legal assistance your business needs, for a low monthly fee.
If you would like to get in touch with our team and learn more about how our membership can help your business, fill out the form below.