However, an effective electronic contract should be able to reliably maintain the integrity and tamper resistance of the content, and meet the original form and file preservation requirements stipulated by law. At the same time, electronic signature can identify the signer and the signing time, prevent tampering and meet the requirements of effective electronic signature stipulated by law. The identities of both parties to an electronic contract have been effectively authenticated by a third party, which meets the authentication requirements stipulated by law. Ordinary users can sign effective electronic contracts only by choosing a reliable third-party electronic contract signing system.

The differences between electronic contracts with electronic signatures and traditional contracts are as follows:

1. The environment for concluding a contract is different. Both parties to the transaction can negotiate face to face;

2. All aspects of the conclusion of the contract have changed;

The form of the contract has changed. The information contained in an electronic contract is a data message, and there is no difference between the original and the copy, so it cannot be signed and sealed in the traditional way;

4. The rights and obligations of both parties to the contract are also different;

5. The performance and payment of electronic contracts are more complicated than traditional contracts.

To sum up, the parties have not signed an electronic contract, but using a reliable electronic signature is equivalent to a personal signature. If the contract complies with other laws, it has legal effect.

Legal basis:

Article 469 of the Civil Code of People's Republic of China (PRC)

The parties may conclude a contract in writing, orally or in other forms.

Written form refers to contracts, letters, telegrams, telexes, faxes and other forms that can tangibly express the contents contained.

A data message that can tangibly express its content through electronic data interchange, e-mail, etc. , and can be retrieved at any time, are considered in writing.