Graphometric Signature: Its Function and Operational Mechanism
In the digital age, electronic signatures have become an integral part of our daily lives, streamlining processes and ensuring secure transactions. Two prominent types of electronic signatures are Graphometric Signatures and Advanced Electronic Signatures (AES). This article aims to shed light on the differences and advantages of these two signatures.
Graphometric Signatures, a type of handwritten electronic signature captured digitally, closely resemble traditional signatures. They are recorded using biometric data such as stroke rhythm, pressure, and speed, typically using a stylus on a tablet or signature pad. The process offers a natural and familiar user experience, making it ideal for face-to-face signing and contexts requiring biometric verification.
On the other hand, Advanced Electronic Signatures (AES) are a broader category of electronic signatures. According to the eIDAS regulation, AES uniquely link the signatory to the data signed, enable detection of signature data changes, and are created using electronic signature creation devices under the sole control of the signatory. The user experience may vary depending on implementation and may not always feel natural, such as when using cryptographic keys.
Advantages of each signature type are evident. Graphometric Signatures leverage biometric data for enhanced security, while Advanced Electronic Signatures ensure high security via cryptographic methods. Graphometric Signatures are best suited for in-person signing, while AES can be used both remotely and locally across digital platforms. In terms of device flexibility, Graphometric Signatures require signature pads, tablets, or stylus-enabled devices, whereas AES can utilize various devices and software, sometimes without dedicated hardware.
Legal recognition is another crucial aspect. Graphometric Signatures have legal validity in many jurisdictions, especially when captured properly with biometric data and securely linked to the document. They are recognized for their security, traceability, and ability to reproduce the traditional signing experience. Advanced Electronic Signatures have explicit legal recognition under regulations like eIDAS in the EU, often providing stronger legal guarantees due to verified identity linking and tamper-evidence through cryptographic technology.
In summary, Graphometric Signatures provide a biometric, user-friendly signing process, especially well-suited for in-person signing with legal recognition based on biometric data linkage. Advanced Electronic Signatures use cryptographic techniques for broad legal acceptance and higher security assurance, supporting both remote and local digital signing environments. It is essential to consider the unique advantages and legal status of each signature type when choosing the best solution for your needs.
Graphometric Signatures, relying on biometric data, offer a natural and familiar user experience, ideally used for face-to-face signing and contexts requiring biometric verification. On the other hand, Advanced Electronic Signatures (AES), with their cryptographic methods, provide broad legal acceptance and higher security assurance, supporting both remote and local digital signing environments.
