The future of signing: It's electronic
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 to reduce paperwork and streamline 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 adoption of e-signatures in Iran
Iran is making big moves towards a digital future, with e-signatures playing a key role in modernising business processes. The country's adoption of the Electronic Commerce Law, 2002 (ECL) has laid the foundation for legally recognised digital signatures, which means businesses can finally ditch the paper and move to a more efficient, secure, and paperless way of working. For Iranian businesses, adopting e-signatures goes beyond compliance; it enhances workflow efficiency, reduces operational costs, and ensures faster, secure transactions.
Zoho Sign, our digital signature solution, is designed to deliver secure, paperless services. Featuring an intuitive interface, it offers businesses numerous benefits, such as:
- Faster processes
- Enhanced productivity
- Strong authentication
- Top-tier security
- Remote accessibility
- Better user experience
- Cost savings
E-signatures take hold in Iran
E-signatures are becoming increasingly prevalent across key sectors, including:
- Banking and Finance
- Legal
- Retail and ecommerce
- Education
- Healthcare
- Government services
- HR
- Technology
- Telecommunications
The law governing electronic signatures
- The Electronic Commerce Law, 2002 (ECL)
- Executive Regulations of Article (32) of the Electronic Commerce Law
Recognized forms of electronic signatures
The law recognises two types of electronic signatures, including Simple Electronic Signature and Secure Electronic Signature.
Electronic Signature
An Electronic Signature refers to any form of data attached or logically linked to the message data that helps identify the signer of the message.
Secure Electronic Signature
A Secure Electronic Signature is one that complies with the following conditions:
- It must be unique to the signer.
- It should clearly identify the signer of the data message.
- It must be signed by the signatory under their exclusive control and intention.
- The signature must be linked to the message data in a way that any changes made to the data can be detected and identified.
A Secure Electronic Signature is essentially a digital signature that utilises Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), involving both public and private keys, and relies on a certification service provider to generate and manage these secure signatures.
The legal validity of e-signatures
An Electronic Signature can be used in cases where legal statutes require a signature. The signer cannot dispute or reject the validity of a Secure Electronic Signature after signing.
Digital certificate
A digital certificate is a digital record containing key information, including:
- Who issued the certificate
- Who owns the certificate
- When the certificate was issued and when it expires
- Owner's public key
- A unique serial number
This certificate allows anyone to confirm that your e-signature is authentic and belongs to you.
When e-signatures are not allowed
There are a few specific situations where e-signatures cannot be used:
- Documents related to owning real estate (like property deeds)
- Selling medical supplies directly to consumers
- Public announcements, notifications, or warnings that create specific rules about using goods or prohibit certain actions (For example, a notice prohibiting a certain type of pesticide)
Certification service provider
Certification service providers (CSPs) are entities established to offer electronic signature services. These include the creation, issuance, transmission, verification, revocation, and updating of electronic signature certificates.
Timestamping
A Timestamp is a declaration containing an electronic signature issued by a central authority. It confirms that a specific message's data was received at a particular time.
Zoho Sign partners with timestamping authorities such as GlobalSign and Seiko, to provide trusted digital timestamps for electronic transactions. These timestamps validate the authenticity of e-signatures and verify that the signed document existed in the given form at the time of signing and remains unaltered. This adds a robust layer of security to the signing process. By making signatures tamper-proof, digital timestamps enhance the reliability of signed documents for both legal and commercial purposes.
Zoho Sign: Faster, safer, and more efficient digital transactions
Discover the advantages Zoho Sign brings to agreement management for Iranian businesses.
Identification and reliability:
Zoho Sign employs strong authentication techniques, such as OTP authentication and PKI-based digital signatures using digital certificates, to ensure that the e-signature is uniquely identifiable.
Intention of the signatory:
This can be collectively projected by the contents of the electronic documents (like terms in an agreement), audit trail, and completion certificate.
Control over the data being signed:
The signatory is allowed to review the document before signing and may reject the document if necessary.
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 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.
Enhanced security:
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 the data transmission between the signing platform and the data being signed is secure. This prevents exposure of documents and data from data breaches.
Audit trails:
Audit trails provide a comprehensive record of every action taken on a document, ensuring full transparency and accountability throughout the signing process. This detailed log enhances security and serves as legal evidence in case of disputes, making it a vital tool for businesses to maintain compliance and trust in their digital transactions.
Key takeaway
E-signatures are crucial for Iranian businesses seeking to move beyond outdated paper-based systems and embrace the efficiency of digital workflows. With Zoho Sign, you can simplify document signing, enhance collaboration across teams, cut operational costs, and modernise your business processes to align with Iran's evolving legal framework for digital transactions.
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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.