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SES (Simple Electronic Signature)
SES (Simple Electronic Signature) is the lowest level of electronic signature under the eIDAS Regulation. It includes all forms of digital approval that do not meet the specific technical requirements for higher levels, such as a scanned image of a handwritten signature or a simple confirmation button in a web form.
What is SES?
A simple electronic signature serves as digital evidence that a person has accepted the content of a document. However, there are no strict requirements regarding how the signer is identified or how the integrity of the document is ensured after signing. This means that its evidentiary value in court is limited, since it is more difficult to reliably link the signature to a specific individual or prove that the document has not been altered afterward.
When to use SES?
SES is primarily used for low-risk internal processes or in consumer scenarios where ease of use is prioritized over legal evidentiary value. Examples include simple receipt confirmations or acceptance of general terms and conditions during bookings.
FAQ
What counts as an SES?
An SES includes any digital method of expressing consent that does not meet the strict requirements for AES or QES, such as a scanned signature, a digital checkbox, or a simple email confirmation.
Is a simple electronic signature legally binding?
Yes. Under the eIDAS Regulation, a signature cannot be denied legal effect solely because it is in electronic form, even though it carries lower evidentiary value than higher security levels in the event of a dispute.
When should I avoid using SES?
SES should be avoided for business-critical agreements, documents with high financial value, or in situations where it is absolutely necessary to prove the signer’s identity with a high degree of certainty.
