Know all about UIDAI Aadhaar card including its eligibility, documentation requirement, application process, Aadhaar card download, benefits, link with PAN and more.
The Aadhaar eSign framework allows Indian residents to digitally sign documents using their Aadhaar identification data, providing a cloud-based electronic signature service that aims to simplify and expedite the signing of official documents. To utilize this service, individuals must possess an Aadhaar card and a registered mobile number linked to their Aadhaar card. The service combines two crucial components: Aadhaar’s authentication and an electronic signature service provider (ESP), which is a trusted third-party agency approved by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) under the Information Technology Act of India. The Aadhaar eSign service employs a similar infrastructure as Aadhaar eKYC, with the significant difference being that eKYC only provides authentication, while Aadhaar eSign provides authentication plus the electronic signature of the Aadhaar holder.
To use Aadhaar eSign, an individual must have
The Aadhaar-based eSign mechanism involves several steps that utilize Aadhaar data for digital signatures.
1. Uploading the Document:
The initial step requires the user to upload the document that needs to be signed onto the platform that supports Aadhaar eSign.
2. Aadhaar Number Entry:
The user must enter their Aadhaar details, which are then used by the system to retrieve the demographic data from the UIDAI database. This data is utilized to verify the user’s identity.
3. OTP Authentication:
After entering the Aadhaar number, the user will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on their registered mobile number linked with Aadhaar. The OTP serves as a means to authenticate the user’s identity before proceeding with the signing process.
4. Electronic Signature Generation:
Once the OTP verification is successful, the Electronic Signature Service Provider (ESP) generates a digital signature on behalf of the user. It is important to note that the Aadhaar holder does not generate the signature themselves; it is done by the ESP.
5. Document Signing:
The digital signature created is then used to electronically sign the document. The ESP attaches the digital signature to the document, thereby making it a legally valid signed document.
6. Download/Share:
The signed document is now ready for download or can be directly shared from the platform.
The security of the Aadhaar eSign service is a significant feature worth mentioning. The encryption of the digital signature produced by the ESP ensures a strong level of protection. Additionally, the inclusion of a timestamp in the document signing process guarantees traceability and non-repudiation. As a result, users can rely on the secure and trustworthy nature of the Aadhaar eSign process.
Aadhaar eSign goes beyond digitization and efficiency, as it holds significant importance in maintaining legal compliance for businesses. The Information Technology Act 2000 grants legal recognition to electronic signatures, as long as they meet the specifications outlined in the Act. Aadhaar eSign adheres to these specifications, guaranteeing the legal validity of the generated electronic signatures.
Consequently, any document signed using Aadhaar eSign carries the same legal weight as a physically signed document. This legal validity is crucial for businesses, especially in the context of legal agreements, financial transactions, or documents that necessitate legal recognition.
Aadhaar eSign offers a significant advantage in terms of accessibility. It is accessible to all Aadhaar cardholders, irrespective of their geographical location.
When it comes to cost-effectiveness, Aadhaar eSign excels. The government provides this online service for free, making it an economical solution for businesses. While the ESP may levy a small fee, it is considerably lower than the expenses associated with traditional document authentication methods.
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