An authentication program is used to read the signature and to verify that it is your unique signature. A digital signature may look like figure 1. President Clinton signed The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act on June 30th. This new federal legislation established the validity of digital signatures. Although, the legislation leaves a great many details to be filled in later, it contains the key element that was not covered by law until now.
Individuals now can enter into contract using only the Internet.
The law also states that legally recognized digital signatures can be used to verify a person's identity, confirm the integrity of electronic documents, and provide irrefutable time stamps. Legal experts say that the new law is more than enough to get electronic commerce accelerating at light speed. They applauded the bill's vagueness about specific technologies because it allows for unfettered development. There are presently two distinct technologies that support digital signatures. They are public key cryptography and signature dynamics.