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With the use of the electronic signature, the integrity of the document is achieved, validating that it was not modified after the author has signed it digitally. The authenticity of said file can later be verified, since it contains the full name and ID of the signer, so the author will not be able to deny that he signed it, guaranteeing the principle of non-repudiation.

In Panama, ( Law 51, July 22, 2008), electronic documents, electronic signatures, the provision of technological document storage services, the certification of electronic signatures (among other provisions) for the development of electronic commerce is defined in this way:

“Electronic document issued by an electronic signature certification service provider, which links the verification data of an electronic signature to a signatory and confirms its identity.”

It should be taken into account that subsequently with Law 82 of November 9, 2012, the Public Registry of Panama was granted the powers of registration and root certification authority for electronic signatures for the Republic of Panama, where Law 51 of 2008 is modified and other provisions are adopted. In summary, the qualified electronic signature of the Public Registry has immediate legal validity, just as if it were the handwritten signature of the identification card.

It should be noted that both Law 51 of 2008 and Law 82 of 2012 mention the concept of “Electronic Signature” (simple), which they define as a “Technical method to identify a person and to indicate that that person approves the information that appears in a data message or electronic document”, therefore, any company is free to use this technology in its computer systems, except documents signed with a simple electronic certificate that has not been issued by the National Directorate of Electronic Signatures or by any Certification Service Provider (PSC) approved by the Public Registry..

Both the simple and qualified electronic signature have the same technical level of security (digital signature, authentication, algorithms, etc.), their main difference is the legal aspect, as defined above. At this time, eFirmas S.A. it mainly provides the service of issuing simple electronic signatures for organizations (in the name of natural persons) and we also offer electronic certificates for devices (SSL, Code Signing, among others).