Go digital in Morocco
with Zoho Sign's
e-signature solution

E-signatures: Simplifying the way we do business

Electronic signatures are digital versions of your signature that indicate your agreement to the contents of a document. They provide a hassle-free way to sign documents remotely, eliminating the need for physical paperwork and enabling faster and more streamlined transactions.

They are legally binding for a variety of purposes and can either be typed, drawn on the screen of an electronic device, or uploaded from your desktop. This modern alternative to "wet" signatures has been adopted across the world, as it empowers individuals and businesses to sign documents online in a legal, secure, and efficient way.

E-signatures for a modern Morocco

Trust is key for any business. E-signatures are transforming how Moroccan companies operate, making it easier to sign contracts and approve documents quickly and securely.

Picture this: contracts signed in moments, faster approvals, and stronger relationships with clients. E-signatures provide a trustworthy, legally binding solution that aligns perfectly with local regulations.

With Zoho Sign, businesses can benefit from robust security and seamless integration with existing tools, boosting efficiency and enhancing customer trust. This opens the door to new growth opportunities in the digital era by ticking key boxes, such as:

• Speed
• Productivity
• Authentication
• Security
• Remote access
• Improved user experience
• Cost-efficiency

The digital shift: Which industries are taking the lead?

• Education
• Human Resources
• Healthcare and life sciences
• Legal
• Technology
• Transport
• Insurance

Understanding Morocco's e-signature laws

Law No. 05-53

Governs the electronic exchange of legal data, outlining the types of electronic signatures and their legal validity.

Law No. 20-43

Covers the various facets of electronic signatures, from their different forms and legal standing to the function of digital certificates and certifying authorities.

Verifying a Qualified Electronic Signature

To confirm the authenticity of a Qualified Electronic Signature:

• The signature must rely on a qualified certificate from an accredited provider.
• The certificate must be valid at the time the signature is applied.
• The signature data should correspond with the data sent.
• The user must be presented with unique information identifying the signature owner.
• Any use of a pseudonym must be clearly stated.
• The signature must be generated through a qualified mechanism that complies with legal standards.
• The signed data must be complete and consistent.
• The verification system must effectively confirm the signature's validity and identify any integrity issues in the validation process.

Digital Signature Certificate

An electronic signature certificate links the data that verifies the validity of an Electronic Signature to an individual, confirming their identity or pseudonym when applicable.

Recognition of Foreign Digital Certificates

Qualified trust services from foreign trust service providers hold the same legal status as those from domestic providers, provided the service is recognised, or there is a multilateral agreement involving Morocco or a bilateral agreement for mutual recognition between Morocco and the provider's country.

Electronic Timestamp

The Electronic Timestamp can be categorised as either simple or qualified.

Simple Electronic Timestamp

This signifies data that links other electronic information to a particular point in time, serving as proof that the data existed at that moment.

Qualified Electronic Timestamp

A Qualified Timestamp is an enhanced version of a Simple Timestamp that:

• Connects the date and time to the data, preventing any undisclosed changes.
• Is based on an exact clock synchronised with Universal Coordinated Time (UTC).
• Requires either an Advanced Electronic Signature or a seal from a recognised trust service provider.
• Serves as proof of the accuracy of the date and time it indicates, along with the completeness of the associated data.

Legal standing of Electronic Timestamp

The legal effect of a Simple Electronic Timestamp cannot be rejected in court simply because it is in electronic form or does not fulfil the requirements for a Qualified Electronic Timestamp as outlined in Article 24.

Zoho Sign: Leading the way in Morocco's digital evolution

Discover how secure and efficient e-signatures are transforming Moroccan businesses and paving the way for a more productive future.

• Reliable signer identification:

  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.

• Secure linkage of signature and document:

  Zoho Sign offers digital signature certificates issued by GlobalSign, guaranteeing the legitimacy and authenticity of e-signatures. This process not only verifies the signer's identity but also securely links the signature to the corresponding document, clearly demonstrating the signatory's consent.

• 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:

  Modifications made to the document after signing should be easily detectable. This is made possible through audit trails that capture timestamps, IP addresses, signing procedures, and other pertinent activity.

• 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.

Resources

• Law No. 05-53
• Law No. 20-43