Usually, digital signing is applied to one container at a time, with the PIN2 code entered each time. Batch signing using the ID-card is a situation where a person gives a digital signature once – i.e. entering the PIN2 code – but signs many (hundreds or thousands) of documents, each one in a separate container.
But batch signing may raise doubts as to whether the signing did in fact express the true intent of the signer regarding all signed documents, because the association between signed document and signer was created by a technical solution that enabled the batch signing, and the operating mechanism may not be clear or controllable for the signer.
Thus, even if batch signing is technically feasible, it isn’t always advisable.
Be sure to bear in mind what requirements of the form are set forth in legislation or agreements between parties.
If a handwritten signature is not required by law or contract, the use of an e-seal can be considered.
An e-seal is a good choice for a situation where the recipient has to be given confirmation that the document is indeed from the institution it purports to be from, and that it has not been altered later (i.e., origin and integrity can be proved). An e-seal generally includes a timestamp showing when the seal was applied to the document.
An automated process is also permitted for e-seals. E-seals are governed by EU regulation no. 910/2014, which is directly applicable to Estonia.
Digital signatures and electronic signatures (the latter being a broader term than the former) are governed by the same EU regulation (and implementing provisions of the Estonian Electronic Identification and Trust Services Act, which was enacted for implementing the EU regulation in Estonia) and the General Part of the Civil Code Act.
Additional information about e-seal/e-tempel: e-mail [email protected].
