eSignatures in Colombia

In Colombia, electronic signatures (eSignatures) and digital signatures are commonly used in business and commercial transactions. In general, any document requiring a signature can be signed with an electronic signature, as, according to Colombia's regulatory framework, electronic signatures can replace handwritten signatures.

At ZapSign, we believe in the utility of technology in processes, which is why we offer our simple electronic signature service to businesses, enabling them to sign their documents efficiently and with legal validity.

At ZapSign, we offer you the possibility to electronically sign your company's documents with legal validity through our Simple Electronic Signature service.

What is a simple electronic signature?

According to Decree 2364 of 2012, an electronic signature is any mechanism such as codes, passwords, biometric data, or cryptographic passwords that allow the identification of an individual in relation to a data message or electronic document, provided that the mechanism is reliable and suitable for the purposes for which the signature is being used.

The simple electronic signature is a type of signature that complies with the basic requirements established by Law 527 of 1999, which regulates the use of electronic commerce in the country. Likewise, the simple electronic signature is a method that allows parties involved in an electronic transaction or the creation of electronic documents to express their consent and authenticate information electronically. The simple electronic signature is valid until proven otherwise and, unlike digital signatures, does not need to be issued by a third party.

To learn more about electronic signatures in Colombia, we invite you to download our E-book:

An eSignature is considered reliable as long as it meets these requirements:

1. Authenticity: The signature creation data must exclusively correspond to the signer, and it is possible to identify the person signing electronically and link them to the document being signed.
2. Integrity: Any unauthorized alteration of the data message or electronic document, made after the moment of the signature, can be detected.

At ZapSign, we have various tools that allow us to ensure that the signing person is who they claim to be, thus ensuring that our signature product meets the authenticity characteristic to be a reliable signature. We guarantee authenticity through tools such as geolocation, IP logging, one-time-passwords (OTPs), facial recognition, among others.

To ensure integrity, all documents signed with ZapSign are generated with a Hash code, which helps ensure that the document has not been tampered with.

Given that, according to the regulatory framework in Colombia, electronic signatures are equivalent to handwritten signatures and have the same legal and evidentiary force, several documents can be signed with ZapSign. Here are some examples:

• Service provision contracts
• Commercial contracts
• Supply contracts
• Employment contracts and offers
• Confidentiality agreements
• Application/affiliation forms for a product or service
• Subscription contracts
• Lease agreements
• Promise of sale contracts

In Colombia, the use of electronic signatures is supported and regulated by various laws and decrees. Some of the main laws that endorse and regulate the use of electronic signatures in the country include:

1. Law 527 of 1999: This law establishes the legal framework for electronic commerce in Colombia, recognizing the legal validity of data messages, electronic signatures, and the use of electronic means in contract formation.

2. Decree 2364 of 2012: This decree regulates the use of electronic signatures in Colombia and sets criteria for determining the reliability of an electronic signature mechanism.

3. Decree 620 of 2005: This decree regulates aspects related to public administration and the use of electronic means, including electronic signatures.

These laws provide the necessary legal framework for the validity and recognition of electronic signatures in various contexts, both in the public and private sectors. They support the use of electronic signature technologies, such as ZapSign, to facilitate secure and efficient electronic transactions. It's important to note that regulations may be updated, so it is always recommended to consult updated legal sources for the most recent information.

Legal Disclaimer: ZapSign cannot provide legal advice. You should consult with a lawyer regarding your legal matters