Introduction #
The Cloud Signature Consortium is a global collaboration of industry, government, and academic organizations committed to standardizing highly secure and compliant digital signatures in the cloud. The consortium is inspired by the rigorous requirements of the European Union’s Regulation on Identification and Trust Services (eIDAS), aiming to streamline compliance with e-signature regulations and promote the uniform adoption of cloud-based digital signatures worldwide.
Understanding the Purpose #
The consortium aims to simplify digital signing experiences and change the digital signature landscape. It focuses on enabling secure signing transactions through web browsers and mobile devices, allowing users to sign documents stored in the cloud without having to download them first. The consortium seeks to make digital signatures as simple as handwritten ones while maintaining high security.
Recognizing the Benefits #
- Secure Transactions: The technical specification of the consortium enables secure transactions on the go, allowing signing through web browsers and mobile devices.
- Cloud Storage: It allows recipients to easily sign documents stored in the cloud with any device, eliminating the need for downloads.
- Simple Certificate Ownership: It offers fully managed keys and certificates by Trust Service Providers in the cloud, reducing the risk of token loss or theft.
- Easy Deployment: It eliminates the need for smart cards, USB tokens, driver installations, and client platform dependencies, making the deployment process easier and faster for end users.
Acknowledging the Members #
The consortium is comprised of international industry and academic experts, including solutions, technology, and trust service providers. Adobe, Intesi Group, and Certinomis are among the members who value the advancement of open standards for cloud-based digital signatures.
Recognizing the Impact #
The standard developed by the consortium is crucial for the digital transformation of businesses globally, providing access to secure digital signature solutions across a range of cloud applications on mobile devices and the web. It is particularly beneficial for processes where signer identification is critical, such as applying for licenses, social security benefits, or signing for large loans.
The Cloud Signature Consortium is pivotal in pioneering open digital signatures for mobile and the web, aiming to create a single digital market across Europe and the globe. By understanding its purpose, recognizing its benefits and members, and staying updated on its developments, one can gain comprehensive insights into the consortium and its endeavors to standardize cloud-based digital signatures.
