1. Electronic signature in a broad sense refers to the electronic signature contained in any data message, accompanied by data used to identify the identity of the signer and indicate the content approved by the signer, that is, the electronic signature that often appears in various legal provisions:
Article 13 of the Electronic Signature Law stipulates in detail that an electronic signature shall be regarded as reliable if it meets the following conditions:
(1) When the electronic signature production data is used for electronic signature, it belongs to the exclusive rights of the electronic signer;
(2) When signing, the electronic signature production data is only controlled by the electronic signer;
(3) Any changes to the electronic signature after signature can be found;
(4) Any changes to the content and form of the data message after signature can be found. The parties can also choose to use electronic signatures that meet their agreed reliable conditions.
Article 16 Where an electronic signature requires authentication by a third party, a legally established electronic authentication service provider shall provide authentication services.
2. Narrow electronic signature refers to digital signature using PKI system; Digital signature is a form and a subset of electronic signature. Digital signature is a technology that uses digital certificate and information encryption technology to identify electronic data information, which can usually be understood as stamping "digital fingerprint" on electronic documents.
It is divided into two parts: signature and verification, namely:
Appearance of seal: similar to the traditional usage of signing or stamping on paper documents;
Authentication ability: A digital certificate issued by an authoritative CA certification body, which contains a piece of data such as user identity, can be understood as "electronic identity". Because this piece of data containing the signature identity is unique, it also ensures the uniqueness and tamper resistance of the digital signature.