Electronic signatures: An outline
Sending electronic documents online has become a common practice, and these documents often require signatures. Electronic signatures, also called e-signatures, provide an efficient way to sign documents online, leading to reduced paperwork and more streamlined transactions. E-signatures also help protect documents with enhanced security and authentication techniques. As a result, e-signatures have gained popularity worldwide, helping businesses meet their objectives efficiently.
The rise of e-signatures in Qatar's thriving business sector
Qatar has found its foothold as the hub of business in the Middle East. Its strategic location and notable investments have made it one of the most competitive economies in the world. Qatar's business landscape is fuelled by the increasing adoption of e-signatures. With strong legal backing, e-signatures are empowering Qatar's businesses to accelerate deal-making and reduce paperwork.
By embracing e-signatures, Qatar is poised for a future of economic dominance, allowing businesses to connect seamlessly across borders. Zoho Sign, a digital signature solution, safeguards your documents with top-notch management and verification, making it the region's preferred choice.
The adoption of Zoho Sign can help businesses achieve optimal performance by ticking pivotal boxes, such as:
- Speed
- Productivity
- Authentication
- Security
- Remote access
- Improved user experience
- Cost-effectiveness
A look at major use cases
The following industries have incorporated e-signatures into their workflows:
- Education
- HR
- Transport
- Technology
- Insurance
- Healthcare and life sciences
- Government and public services
- Technology
- Banking
- Legal
- Telecommunications
E-signature enforceability in Qatar
The Electronic Commerce and Transactions Law (ECTL), enacted in 2010, governs the utilisation of electronic signatures in Qatar. The primary objective of the ECTL is to provide authentication and legal validity to electronic signatures.
The law recognises only one form of electronic signature, which is the simple electronic signature. As per the ECTL, an Electronic Signature refers to "letters, numbers, symbols, or others affixed to a data message that uniquely identify the signatory from others in order to indicate the signatory’s approval of the data message."
Zoho Sign revolutionises legal processes in Qatar, paving the way for a more secure and efficient business landscape.
The legal standing of electronic signatures
The ECTL asserts that an electronic signature shall have evidentiary weight if the subsequent conditions are fulfilled:
- The signature creation information is uniquely linked to the signatory.
- The signature creation information is completely controlled by the signatory.
- Any changes made to the electronic signature after it has been signed are detectable.
- Any adjustments made to the signature information post-signing are identifiable.
Parties can mutually agree to use identified types of electronic signatures provided their agreement is valid under the law.
Digital certificate
A "certification certificate" refers to a document issued by a certification service provider (CSP), which validates the connection between a signatory and the information used to create their signature.
Certification service provider
A CSP is a licensed entity responsible for maintaining public key infrastructure, issuing certification certificates, and offering related electronic signature services. They have the authority to issue, revoke, and suspend certification certificates to end users.
The Supreme Council acts as the root certification authority, providing licenses and accreditations to CSPs.
Acceptability of foreign electronic signatures
An electronic signature that originated outside Qatar shall enjoy the same legal effect within the country if the certification certificate comes from an accredited certification service provider. This certification should offer a reliability level equivalent or superior to what is demanded by the ECTL.
The Supreme Council is responsible for establishing the standards and processes for approving certification certificates issued by foreign entities outside Qatar. However, as per current Qatari laws, no foreign CSPs are officially recognised.
Limitations of e-signatures
The ECTL exempts the use of e-signatures in the following cases:
- Documents pertaining to familial and personal status
- Documents that establish land ownership and rights
- Documents that are legally obligated to be authenticated by a notary public
- Negotiable commercial instruments, governed by the stipulations outlined in the Commercial Law
Zoho Sign for modern Qatari businesses
Qatar's rapidly expanding business landscape demands agile, secure, and compliant operations. Zoho Sign's robust features and top-tier security makes it ideal for businesses of all sizes in the region.
Reliable signer identification:
Zoho Sign offers various authentication methods such as email authentication, SMS authentication, and dynamic knowledge-based authentication for reliable identification of the signatory.
Detectable alterations:
Zoho Sign ensures any alterations to the electronic signature or the document to which the signature is affixed are detectable through an elaborate audit trail of occurrence of all activities during the signing process. This audit trail comprises critical information such as the identity of the signatory, the timestamp of the signature, and changes made to the document.
Encryption and security measures:
Zoho Sign employs robust encryption protocols, such as the military grade AES-256 encryption at rest and the TLS/SSL protocol in transit, to ensure that data transmission between the signing platform and the data being signed is secure. This prevents exposure of documents and data from data breaches.
Document timestamping:
Zoho Sign offers timestamping services through its partnership with GlobalSign, a certificate authority (CA). This helps validate the authenticity of a digital signature and aids in verifying that the signed document existed in the given form at the time of signing and remains unaltered.
Key takeaway
Qatar's adoption of e-signatures has led to a transformative impact on businesses across the country. Our secure and feature-rich platform ensures a seamless signing experience, making it a valuable tool for businesses seeking to streamline their legal processes and thrive in the digital age. With this adoption, users can collaborate globally from the comfort of their homes at a minimal cost. Sign up for your free Zoho Sign trial today and unlock a future of efficient and secure agreements.
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Disclaimer
The information provided in this document is for general informational purposes only and shall not be construed as legal, regulatory, or any other form of professional advice. Zoho Sign disclaims any liability for any error in the information provided herein. We recommend that you consult your legal counsel for any questions that you may have in this regard.