Introduction: Generally commercial transactions should be in writing and signed by the parties so as to be enforceable by law. These are two requirements which is required to obtain lawful relationship and forms a well-established mode of executing business transactions.
The requirements of signature and writing perform an array of roles. The parties documenting their commercial relationship have an assurance that a permanent record of their transaction has been created which would not be separately changed and would facilitate reproduction so that each party has a copy of the original contract.
Earlier methods of communication of information for executing a commercial transaction have significantly improved. Reports may be in paper form but only to satisfy legal requirements and sometimes information is exchanged without reflecting it on paper. The information available on internet can be used differently and has much more utility than the information that takes paper form.
Meaning of the Electronic Records and Digital Signatures:
The electronic means of communications do not have any tangible medium. Thus, affixing of parties’ signatures on something that is not physical or tangible is not possible. The solution lies in having electronic signatures on an electronic record. Like written signatures such as digital signatures can be used to guarantee that the electronic document, which has been signed by way of electronic signature, has not been altered or tampered with.
This new mode of communication of information has not changed the basic nature of the transaction but only its form. Law has to adapt to these changes and together with the business community has to evolve rules and practices which ensure reliability and validity more than what is traditionally expected from paper based documents.
Difference between digital signature and electronic signature:
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1. What are electronic records and digital signatures in the context of e-commerce? |
2. Are electronic records and digital signatures legally recognized in e-commerce? |
3. What legal aspects should businesses consider when using electronic records and digital signatures? |
4. What are the advantages of using electronic records and digital signatures in e-commerce? |
5. What are the challenges and risks associated with electronic records and digital signatures in e-commerce? |
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