Electronic signature technology evolves under eIDAS regulations

The landscape of electronic signatures is evolving due to digital transformation and the eIDAS regulation in Europe. While DocuSign remains a widely recognized international leader, users and businesses are increasingly looking for alternatives that offer better data hosting within Europe and more competitive pricing.

Under the eIDAS framework, electronic signatures are categorized into three levels: simple, advanced, and qualified. The qualified electronic signature is the only level that holds the same legal weight as a handwritten signature across the European Union. Historically, this high level of security was difficult to implement because it required physical smart cards and lengthy setup times.

New technological advancements, such as remote qualified signatures, are removing these barriers. By utilizing recognized digital identities like France Identité, users can now access the highest level of legal security through secure platforms. This allows for the signing of sensitive documents—such as notary acts and public procurement contracts—directly from any device with the same ease and cost as a simple electronic signature.