Electronic Signatures
Electronic Signature vs. Digital Signature
The two terms are often used interchangeably but mean different things. Here is the practical difference and when each matters.
This guide is an early draft and will be expanded soon.
An electronic signature is any electronic indication of intent to agree to a document — a typed name, a drawn signature, or a click. A digital signature is a specific cryptographic technique (using public-key infrastructure) that can be used to secure and verify an electronic signature.
In short: every digital signature is an electronic signature, but not every electronic signature uses digital-signature cryptography. This is a draft outline pending an editorial pass.
This article is for general information and is not legal advice.
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