Skribble, Intrum and Swisscom enable digital signatures

Prior personal identification from the signatory is no longer required for digital signatures. From now on, these can be done remotely. This is made possible due to a collaboration between specialists in legally valid electronic signatures at the Zurich-based company Skribble, Intrum, a specialist in digital identification of contracting parties that is active across Europe with Swiss headquarters in Schwerzenbach in the Greater Zurich Area, and Swisscom Trust Services, which provides identity-based services.

According to a press release, these companies are working together now because the Federal Office of Communications amended the regulations on remote identification on March 15, 2022, thereby removing the obstacles to this. Now, it is all coming together at Skribble, where signing takes place. Intrum is involved as a certified identification partner, while Swisscom is acting as a certification site and managing identity data.

Prior identification is only needed for the highest standard of e-signature, the qualified electronic signature (QES). This has the highest level of evidential value and is used when the law requires a written form or a company wants to minimize risks.

Online identification is not completely new as it was already an option for financial service providers. During the height of the pandemic, it was made possible for all industries as an emergency aid. Furthermore, online identification using platforms including Skribble is already standard practice in neighboring European countries.