Documents signed with inSign contain biometric data of the signatory

Every person has their own unique characteristics, such as the way they walk, their voice, their iris, their fingerprint or even their signature. These are also called biometric features because they are unmistakable and can be clearly assigned to a person.

During an e-signature process with inSign, the biometric characteristics of a person’s writing are recorded in addition to the signature image, such as the writing speed, writing direction and writing pauses. These are asymmetrically encrypted and inserted into the PDF document.

The private key is then deposited with an independent authority such as a notary. In the event of a dispute, this person can decode the data with the private key and hand it over to a handwriting expert for analysis. With the associated programme, the so-called inSign Explorer, the handwriting expert can visualise and analyse the signature data. This allows the signature to be attributed to the person who made it.

The process described is the advanced electronic signature (AES), which is used by default in inSign. A simple electronic signature (SES) is a simple signature image, such as the name under an e-mail. In this case, the attribution of a declaration of intent to a specific person is hardly possible. Therefore, the advanced electronic signature should definitely be used for legally secure contracts. With the qualified electronic signature (QES), identification even takes place before the signature.

Analyse biometric signature data with inSign Explorer

Analysis with the inSign Explorer is comparable to a video in slow mode. The biometric values can be read out at individual points of the signature and examined more closely. Of course, the data is protected against modification.

If the handwritten signature differs slightly from the digital signature, this is not a problem. The authenticity of the signature can nevertheless be proven on the basis of the individual biometric data. For more information on the legal certainty of inSign, please click here: Legal and Security.

About the author

Christina Detling

As Online Marketing Manager at inSign GmbH, I manage the content, SEO and SEA strategy for Germany's leading electronic signature solution. With a focus on B2B marketing, I drive lead generation and the optimisation of digital customer journeys. My background in Business Informatics (B.Sc.) bridges technical understanding with strategic marketing expertise, a combination I have been putting into practice at inSign since 2019. I use inSign myself and am genuinely convinced by the solution: straightforward, legally compliant and efficient. It is a tool I recommend without hesitation.