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The difference between simple and qualified time stamping, its legal value under eIDAS and its practical use cases are as follows.
Electronic timestamping associates a certain date and time with a data item (document, signature) in order to establish proof that the data item existed at that specific time.
The European eIDAS Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 defines electronic time stamping in Article 3 and sets out Articles 41 and 42 as such.
In practice, once a document is time-stamped, any subsequent modification breaks the imprint and invalidates the time-stamp . This is what makes it a proof of robust integrity, which can be challenged over time.
eIDAS distinguishes two levels, with different legal effects.
According to Article 41 of eIDAS, the legal effect and admissibility of an electronic time stamp cannot be refused on the sole ground that it is in electronic form.
Issued by a qualified trust service provider (QTSP), it has a presumption of date and time accuracy and data integrity (Art. 42 eIDAS).
Time stamping meets three major legal and operational needs:
Each document signed via Certyneo is time stamped and stamped in the eIDAS evidence file, alongside the audit trail (identity, IP, OTP).
For the most demanding needs, qualified timestamping from a qualified trust service provider (QTSP) allows the presumption of accuracy provided for in Article 42 of eIDAS and the long-term retention of signatures.
A simple time stamp cannot be denied any legal effect on the ground that it is electronic (Article 41 eIDAS), but it is not presumed to have any effect.
Yes. eIDAS recognises electronic timestamping as a trusted service. Qualified timestamping has the strongest probative value because of its legal presumption; simple timestamping remains an acceptable element of evidence.
RFC 3161 is the international technical standard that describes the Time-Stamp Protocol. A timestamp service signs the document's imprint with a time stamp from a reliable time source.
Yes. The time stamp seals the hash of the document at a given moment. Any subsequent modification changes the fingerprint and invalidates the time stamp it is a proof of integrity in time.
The advanced electronic signature incorporating a time stamp is sufficient for the vast majority of contracts. Qualified time stamping is recommended for the highest evidence stakes and long-term preservation.
L'horodatage qualifié eIDAS confère une date certaine et opposable à tout document signé électroniquement. Comprendre son fonctionnement est essentiel pour toute organisation souhaitant sécuriser ses preuves numériques.
Qu'est-ce que l'horodatage électronique, comment il fonctionne, quand il est qualifié, et pourquoi il sécurise vos signatures.
SES, AES, QES: understanding the three signature levels and the European framework.
Read the guideKeep your signed documents as evidence for the legal period.
Read the guideCertification authorities, qualified certificates and chain of trust.
Read the guidePreserve your time-stamped documents with probative value, in an immutable and enforceable manner.
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