Hi all,

 

I am not sure if this is the right place for this question, but I need some advice.

 

I manage a website for a non-profit fund raising event (sponsored walk). Currently, walkers register by filling in a paper form which requires them to sign to say they agree to various terms and conditions.

 

If I create a web-based sign-up form would a check box be an acceptable alternative to the signature, or would I need to implement something further?

 

Is there actually a valid/legally acceptable alternative to the handwritten signature?

 

I have searched for information regarding this, but have not yet found a clear answer. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Andy

From personal experience, all i have seen is a text box which requires you to type your name. I would assume that's really the only alternative.

 

 

All i can find is this: (not even sure if it's meant in this context )

 

 

http://www.opsi.gov....7_en_2#pt2-l1g7

 

 

And a bbc news article from 2001 stating that electronic signatures are as legally binding as handwritten ones.

 

Edit: I can only find a clear explantion of an electronic signature (From united states Federal law) which describe it as

 

(1 ) An electronic signature is "a signature that consists of one or more letters, characters, numbers or other symbols in digital form incorporated in, attached to or associated with an electronic document";

(2 ) A secure electronic signature is as an electronic signature that

(a ) is unique to the person making the signature;

(b ) the technology or process used to make the signature is under the sole control of the person making the signature;

(c )the technology or process can be used to identify the person using the technology or process; and

(d ) the electronic signature can be linked with an electronic document in such a way that it can be used to determine whether the electronic document has been changed since the electronic signature was incorporated in, attached to or associated with the electronic document.

(Sorry the a,b,c,d is meant to be sub to point two, it's so hard to make lists on this forum and quotes system doesn't let you format at all)

 

Obviously that's u.s Law, and as such will probably differ a fair bit from EU law

 

I'll keep digging though, i'm curious on this one (: