An electronic signature, also known as the digital signature, has many implications if it is used instead of an original sign. The identity is a replication of the original name but may not have the same legal consequences. In the purest form, a signature is user permission on the electronic records conforming to its articles.
There are two forms of digital signatures. In earlier days, people only had one option. They type their first and last name, as a signature or consent to the terms of the document. However, with time there has been a new variation in the electronic signature. People now have access to digital pen and screen where they can do signature the way they sign on a regular print.
However, there are other forms, as well. Some are online tick boxes where you make a tick and type your name. These are the weakest form of consent and will not give reliable protection in case of any legal issues. It is not clear what is the implication of such signs as it can even be a cut and paste of signature from one document to another.
In other uses, one form of the digital signature is the scan of the ink signature and then use them on the electronic form to show consent. One of the traditional methods is to have you type your name at the end of the report. The title will register your agreement of all the legal provisions of the material.
Regardless of the authenticity of the signature in business dealings, both parties take extreme care, including witnessing these signatures. Since everything is going digital, it is common for people to use these forms. It saves them time to go to a location and sign an agreement. Internationally, businesses have to make many alliances make decisions, and work in real-time without dissipating time. It makes sense for moving most of the documentation signing at least that have less implication on a digital signing.
With time people are moving more towards electronic signatures. Students are using these signatures for university admissions, while other people apply for personal loans or banking facilities online using the digital signature.
However, in many documents, people stay away from the electronic signature. If the dealing involves huge capital or selling of assets it is highly likely that people would go for the conventional signing, instead of going for a digital print.