SignWren gives electronic signatures as defined in Article 3(10) of the EU eIDAS Regulation, the level people often call a simple electronic signature. They are not advanced or qualified electronic signatures, and the certificate of completion on every finished document says so.
What does eIDAS say about each level?
The Regulation sets three levels. An electronic signature is “data in electronic form which is attached to or logically associated with other data in electronic form and which is used by the signatory to sign” (Article 3(10)). An advanced one also meets the four requirements of Article 26: it is uniquely linked to the signatory, capable of identifying them, created with signature creation data the signatory can use under their sole control with a high level of confidence, and linked to the signed data so any later change can be detected. A qualified one is an advanced signature made with a qualified signature creation device and based on a qualified certificate (Article 3(12)).
On legal effect, Article 25(1) says an electronic signature can’t be denied legal effect or refused as evidence just because it is electronic or isn’t qualified. Article 25(2) says a qualified electronic signature has the same legal effect as a handwritten one.
Why aren’t SignWren signatures advanced?
A signer adopts a drawn, typed or uploaded signature in a browser, after opening a link we emailed. Nothing in that process gives the signer their own signature key under their sole control, and no certificate identifies them, so the signature doesn’t meet Article 26. We’d rather say that plainly than stretch it.
What does the SignWren seal add?
When everyone has signed, SignWren adds a digital seal to the finished PDF, so a PDF reader can show whether the file changed afterwards. The seal is made by SignWren as a company. It isn’t a signature by any signer, and it doesn’t turn anyone’s signature into an advanced or qualified one.
Can I get a qualified electronic signature through SignWren?
Not today. If a law, a public body or the other side asks for a qualified electronic signature, use a qualified trust service provider listed on the EU Trusted Lists. If we ever offer qualified signatures through a provider, the certificate will name the provider and the level it reports.
Can my account’s data stay in the EU?
Not yet. Every SignWren account is stored in the United States today, and settings show your account’s data region. When an EU region exists, an account can be created there, and its documents, audit trails and backups will stay in it.
This is general information, not legal advice. Whether a simple electronic signature is enough for a document depends on the law that governs it; ask a lawyer where you are.