Regulatory framework
International
The 2001 United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Signatures.
SCOPE OF APPLICATION
This Law shall be applicable in all cases where electronic signatures are used in the context of commercial activities.
It shall not derogate any legal provision aimed at consumer protection.
DEFINITIONS FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS LAW
A. “Electronic signature” shall mean data in electronic form attached to or logically associated with a data message, which may be used to identify the signatory in relation to the data message and indicate that the signatory approves of the information contained in the data message.
in Colombia
Law 527 of 1999
Article 7: When any regulation requires the presence of a signature or establishes certain consequences in its absence, in relation to a data message, said requirement will be deemed satisfied if:
A. A method has been used that allows for the identification of the initiator of a data message and indicates that the content has their approval.
B. The method is both reliable and appropriate for the purpose for which the message was generated or communicated.
The provisions of this article apply both if the requirement established in any regulation constitutes an obligation, or if the regulations simply provide consequences in the absence of a signature.
Decree 2364 of 2012
Through this regulation, Article 7 of Law 527 of 1999 is regulated with regards to electronic signatures, and other provisions are issued.
Electronic signature: Methods such as codes, passwords, biometric data, or private cryptographic keys, that allow for the identification of a person in relation to a data message, as long as it is reliable and appropriate for the purposes for which the signature is used, taking into account all the circumstances of the case, as well as any relevant agreement.
Decree 806 of 2020
Por el cual se adoptan medidas para implementar las tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones en las actuaciones judiciales, agilizar los procesos judiciales y flexibilizar la atención a los usuarios del servicio de justicia, en el marco del Estado de Emergencia Económica, Social y Ecológica.
