What is an Electronic Signature?

What is an electronic signature? Under eIDAS (Regulation EU No 910/2014), an electronic signature is the electronic equivalent of a handwritten signature - a legally recognised proof of identity and intent used to capture consent or approval on electronic documents in a digital environment. Not all electronic signatures carry the same legal weight: eIDAS distinguishes between Simple, Advanced, and Qualified Electronic Signatures, each with a different evidentiary standing before courts and regulators. For a full breakdown of signature types and their legal weight under eIDAS, see the Definitive Guide to Qualified Electronic Signatures.