In general, the use of electronic signatures and certificates-based digital signatures is widespread in Norway and growing.
While Norway isn't a European Union (EU) Member State, it enjoys close ties to the EU as part of agreements regarding membership in the European Economic Area and its membership in the European Free Trade Association.
This means that Regulation No. 910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 concerning digital identification services and trust for transactions made electronically in the market (eIDAS) is fully integrated with Norwegian Law through the Act on trust services for electronic transactions (LOV-2018-06-15-44).
Additionally, there are Norwegian Regulations (e.g., FOR-2019-11-21-1577) that implement the implementing legislation of the European Commission in the eIDAS regulation.
For more information about eIDAS and the eIDAS regulation, please refer to the Electronic Signature Laws & Regulations within the EU.
In Norway, the freedom principle implies that signatures of all kinds are, in principle, legally valid and legal (unless not specifically stated from the sides).
In addition, under the civil procedural principle of the freedom of evidence, all signatures and documents are admissible as evidence, regardless of their form. It does not limit the ability of a judge to evaluate the evidence.
What is an eSignature?
E-Signatures allow you to gain approval or consent to online agreements and contracts. With eSignatures, there's no requirement to obtain an official signature in person, speeding the signing process for contracts.
- ESignatures are simple to use and similar to signing a hardcopy document.
- The legality of electronic signatures is the same as that of a paper signature in the majority of countries (but it is recommended to check the current laws in the area your country of residence and the other signers live)
- An eSignature could be as simple as adding an initial to an electronic copy.
- Electronic Signatures are becoming more popular and are expected to increase substantially in the next few years.
- "eSignature" is a broad term used to describe various electronic signatures, including digital signatures, that serve different functions.
Legality of eSignatures in Norway!
In the simplest terms, yes, eSignatures are legally valid in Norway. Under the Electronic Signatures Act, eSignature Norway has legalized electronically signed signatures since 2001.
However, just like in any country that has rules for eSignatures with tiered requirements, the rules differ based on the circumstances and nature of the agreement being discussed.
In certain cases, clicking the "I agree" button is a standard eSignature. Still, other scenarios may require eSignatures to be tied to an individual via an ID number unique to the person signing it.
Since Norway is one of the states that are members of the European Union (EU), it is subject to EU Regulation No 910/2014 by the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 regarding digital identification services and trusts for electronic transactions within the market (the eIDAS regulation) govern and is directly applicable to Norway.
The eIDAS Regulation Repeals Directive 1999/93/EC.
Furthermore, additional Norwegian Regulations (e.g., FOR-2019-11-21-1577) implement the European Commission's legislation in the eIDAS regulation.
However, they don't affect the legality or validity of electronic signatures in the sense that they are. Electronic signatures (both basic and advanced electronic signatures and what constitutes a qualified electronic signature according to the eIDAS regulation) were legal before the eIDAS regulation based on the freedom of contract and evidence.
The e-Signature Act of Norway
Since the legalization of electronic signatures to be legal in Norway in 2001, the parties have been able to conclude and sign contracts electronically.
According to this Law, electronic signatures are legally recognized as having the same weight as a paper-based signature. eSignatures typically are used to sign documents online. This includes reading fingerprints and iris scanning or using digital signatures, keys or certificates.
As we've mentioned before, Norwegian authorities give freedom to citizens of Norway to pick between various forms of electronic signatures to sign their business.
Easy Electronic Signatures (SESs) are considered the most reliable for normal transactions and online businesses. Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) are preferred for expensive transactions and for sharing sensitive data. Also, they are thought of as more trustworthy and authentic.
Norway follows a tiered legal model for eSign laws. This legal model allows for QES to be implemented. QES uses an asymmetric cryptosystem to verify and authenticate.
Furthermore, even though Norway does not belong to the European Union (EU), it adheres to EU standards. European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) standards define the technical requirements of QES.
Norway and the EU have a similar regulation system for secured electronic transactions. This means that Norway and European members can accept electronically signed signatures, electronic identification eIDAS and so on.
This process ultimately eliminates international digital barriers between the European nations, which previously been a significant obstacle to conducting business.
The Impact of eIDAS on Norways Electronic Signature Laws
The first question is, what is eIDAS? It is Regulation (EU) No. 910/2014 regarding Electronic Identification and Trust Services for Electronic Transactions within the Internal Market.
You'll understand why it's known just as eIDAS!
In 2014, eIDAS was a lawful law regulating eSignature laws throughout the European market to encourage international trade.
The rules are being rolled out to countries that are part of the EU and countries that belong to the EEA.
In June 2018, the eIDAS regulations came into force in Norway. Since then, Norway has adhered to the definitions of Advanced and qualified electronic signatures set out in eIDAS; however, local regulations are legally determined in the hands of King Norway.
Why Most of Business in Norway Prefer eSignatures over Hand-Written Signatures?
E-signatures are easy to use; they're a widely accepted fact. But if you're trying to pick a digital signature service, you'll need an understanding of the benefits.
It's simpler to choose the right e-signature software for your needs when you know the issues they're able to solve.
Here are a few of the most frequently cited reasons for companies in Norway to choose electronic signatures over paper:
Saves Time
One of the primary benefits of electronic signatures is that they can cut down on time. Instead of scheduling the signing of documents in person or back-and-forth delivery of mail, you can electronically send a link to speed up the turnaround of documents within the quick blink of an eye.
Paper documents lost in the mail require the process of signing over and increase the likelihood of legal responsibility.
E-signatures can be electronically attached to proposals or contracts and then returned in seconds. This provides your business with more flexibility in planning the completion of projects.
Enhances Convenience
Electronic signature platforms such as Sign are simple and quick to use, even for those who need to be more technologically adept.
Signing procedures are simple and easy to use if you're making or receiving a signature. If you can make use of e-mail and press several buttons, electronic signatures are simple to use.
Lower Transaction Cost
Alongside the previously mentioned savings in costs in the past, the automated process of electronic signatures can lessen the financial consequences of human errors, such as errors in signing, which could delay the process or lead to costly issues when initially unnoticed.
Electronic signing software can help reduce risks by delivering alerts regarding irregular records or compliance issues associated with contracts. Electronic signatures ensure that all is in order, making it less costly to fix issues that could have been avoided.
Pay attention to the obvious savings on copying, packaging, shipping, and paper. They may appear to be small; however, they add to a lot.
In terms of material costs, labor, and efficiency, digital signatures help save the cost of materials, labor, and.
Easy to Use
The process of learning how to create eSignatures is an easy task. There's a wealth of online software that will help you to make your electronic signature.
Once you've mastered using it, you can connect your eSignatures to any document you'd like. It doesn't matter what device you use. It's as simple as it gets.
It will be extremely convenient for you and your clients if you can eSign quickly. It will also show how much importance you attach to your client's time.
The entire process is conducted on a computer. Therefore, it doesn't matter where each of the parties is working from. The work will be completed with no interruptions.
Eco-Friendly
Various regulations and rules have been formulated to limit the negative impact human activities can have on the natural environment.
Each organization has its own set of policies that emphasize being environmentally friendly. Papers are made of water and trees. Deforestation is a significant issue that must be considered as quickly as feasible.
The switch to electronic signatures is one more step toward your final goal. Going paperless will not only create a healthy environment, but it will also be extremely cost-effective and practical for your company.
You'll also be able to free yourself from the hassle of having to go through an enormous pile of papers.
Faster Turnaround
Electronic signatures are convenient and imply a quicker process. Instead of sending documents to one person, then getting them to sign, print and scan them before sending them to the next person, and then repeating the process, the entire group can sign off in a matter of seconds.
This speedier turnaround allows businesses more flexibility in situations that require time.
Ensure Regulatory Compliance
In light of the growing popularity of electronic signature services, Countries are increasingly introducing legislation related to them.
The United States passed The Electronic Signatures in Global, and National Commerce Act and the European Union established The Electronic Identification, Authentication, and Trust Services (eIDAS).
The best electronic signature system will shield your company from enforcing penalties and slipping into an extensive legal process.
A thorough audit trail must allow you to verify the signature's legitimacy so that companies can easily verify compliance and avoid legal proceedings.
Emergence of Electronic Signature Trends in Upcoming Years
As we come to the end of this year, many of us are considering 2022 and the possibilities that the year will bring to our respective businesses and industries.
For the majority of us, technology advancements and trends are at the top of our agendas and plans.
Since the beginning of 2020, business and corporate owners have been closely watching the technology sector. Although technology is constantly going full speed ahead, the global pandemic has quickly and (some may suggest) completely changed the way companies use and the priority and use of technology-related solutions.
Digital signatures contributed significantly to the surge in demand for technology-based solutions for businesses, which will likely remain the same. Five years from now, the price of electronic signatures can be predicted to quadruple.
Traditional Forms-Based Processes Will Shift to Intelligent, Conversational Experiences
Static forms, cumbersome PDFs, and web-based forms are a relic of business operations in the modern world of digital.
Modernization and automation of forms can be key factors in reducing the friction of any new customer acquisition process. Incorporating information in online forms, such as agreements that must be signed electronically, is crucial for ensuring that customers and employees can complete the process without difficulty.
E-Signature is a significant element of the digitization of processes requiring paper. However, if a person cannot complete the form or the data collection process because of frustration and doesn't have the chance to sign the document electronically.
Companies are investing in intelligent digital forms that convert lengthy, complex PDFs into mobile-friendly forms that offer step-by-step instructions.
It is easy to fill out forms using a tablet, personal computer or mobile. The data that you provide on the form creates a signed agreement that brings your business one step closer to agreeing.
Incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning in forms will be an essential element in developing contracts aimed at customers.
More Automation Solutions
2022 will surely be the year we will see a rise in demand for powerful and effective automation. Companies and their clients seek to get more done faster and more efficiently.
Expect higher levels of implementation of automated processes and self-service options than before.
Electronic signature services such as eSignly can seamlessly include document completion within virtually any process that requires it.
Websites can incorporate signing capabilities into their sites, allowing things such as purchase completions, donations contracts, etc., to be created and executed completely by the client without any guidance from employees. It does not just speed up the process for employees, and it can also free up valuable employee time, allowing them to focus on other projects.
Ever-Increasing Lever in Terms of Cybersecurity
The remote signature of documents comes with it many issues. There are real risks of fraud and identity theft. In 2021, one business out of four was a victim of fraud, a rise partly due to the growing use of remote work.
A digital signature, while not favoring fraud, is a form of security against cyber-attacks of all types. Indeed, an online signing tool, if it is legal, should be based on an encryption system that ensures the authenticity of the signature documents.
In addition, is the fact that it is essential that the authenticity of the signer has to be verified before the electronic certificate is issued. This verification must be done face-to-face for the highest quality signatures. Additionally, the requirement for the signer to verify their identity before signing reduces the possibility of identity theft.
An overview of the Act on Electronic Signatures
Norway adopted The Act on Electronic Signatures in 2001. This law permitted Norwegian citizens to start using electronic signatures for contracts.
The Act on Electronic Signatures also defined three distinct kinds of electronic signatures:
- Electronic signatures of standard (SES)
- Advanced Electronic Signature (AES)
- Electronic signatures that are qualified (QES)
A QES signature is the most secure and reliable and reliable signature, which is why it's widely regarded as the standard of excellence for electronic signatures.
However, An SES is considered less secure because there's no proof of who signed the document.
The Key Takeaway
eSignly users can now choose to sign documents online across Nordic countries, including Norway, Denmark, Finland and Sweden.
This is the same for all eSignly users who wish to sign documents across their country's borders electronically. Many companies located in Norway, as well as different European countries, have increased their business processes and sales through our software.
Besides providing clients with electronic signature services, eSignly also eases the process of creating documents.
It is easy to create proposals, contracts, quotes or even NDAs with just a few clicks due to the myriad of templates we have on our website. Start signing documents for free using eSignly, and you'll love it.
