Physical Signatures
Physical signatures refer to handwritten or biometric signatures used to authenticate identity and authorize documents or transactions in the physical world. They serve as a traditional method of verification, often legally binding, and are commonly applied in contracts, financial instruments, and official paperwork. This concept contrasts with digital signatures, which use cryptographic techniques for electronic authentication.
Developers should understand physical signatures when building systems that integrate with legal, financial, or governmental processes requiring physical documentation, such as in hybrid workflows combining paper and digital records. Knowledge of this concept is essential for compliance with regulations like eIDAS in the EU or UETA in the US, which define standards for electronic and physical signatures. It also helps in designing user interfaces that guide users through signing processes or in developing tools for digitizing and verifying physical signatures.