Annature provides secure, standards-based digital signatures — a legally recognised method for signing documents electronically that satisfies the requirements of Australian law and meets the expectations of modern business, compliance, and regulatory frameworks.
While the terms “electronic signature” and “digital signature” are sometimes used interchangeably, it’s important to understand the difference. An electronic signature can include any mark or method indicating agreement — such as typing a name or ticking a box. A digital signature, as implemented by Annature, includes cryptographic integrity, verified signer identity, and tamper-evident controls — offering a much higher standard of legal trust and evidentiary value.
Legal framework
In Australia, the enforceability of digital signatures is supported by:
- Electronic Transactions Act 1999 (Cth)
- Electronic Transactions Regulations 2020 (Cth)
- State and territory equivalents of the Electronic Transactions Act
These frameworks ensure that agreements are not denied legal effect solely because they are executed electronically. What matters is that the method used satisfies the legal criteria — and this is where digital signatures excel.
Meeting legal requirements
For a digital signature to be legally binding under the Electronic Transactions Act, three requirements must be met:
- Identification – the method must identify the signer and indicate their intent
- Reliability – the method must be reliable and appropriate for the circumstances
- Consent – the recipient must consent to the use of the digital signature
Annature’s signature workflows are designed to meet all three. We authenticate signers, capture explicit intent, and incorporate clear consent steps in every signing process — ensuring both legal compliance and enterprise-grade assurance.
Cryptographic security and tamper evidence
Each signature generated through Annature creates a cryptographically sealed document, embedding metadata, timestamps, and identity verification into a tamper-evident framework. This guarantees both document integrity and non-repudiation — making it clear who signed, when, and under what conditions.
In addition to document sealing, each envelope contains a detailed audit trail, capturing every significant event in the signature lifecycle. This includes access times, IP addresses, authentication steps, and changes to signer status. These records are critical for evidentiary use and compliance reporting.
Court enforceability
Digital signatures created through Annature are admissible in court and are routinely relied upon in legal and regulatory contexts. Australian courts consistently uphold the validity of digital agreements when identity, intent, and consent can be demonstrated — all of which are recorded and auditable through the Annature platform.
Our clients include accounting firms, financial institutions, legal practices, and healthcare providers — all of whom depend on legally robust and evidentiary-sound signing technology.
Document types that require special consideration
Although digital signatures are accepted for most personal and commercial agreements, some documents are excluded from electronic execution under Australian law. These may include:
- Wills and enduring powers of attorney
- Certain statutory declarations and affidavits
- Real property instruments in specific states or territories
These exceptions are outlined in the Electronic Transactions Regulations 2020. We recommend seeking legal advice before using digital signatures in these contexts.
Cross-border use and international validity
Many jurisdictions — including the United States (ESIGN and UETA), European Union (eIDAS), New Zealand, and Canada — recognise digital signatures that meet core legal criteria. Annature’s signature technology aligns with international standards and supports cross-border workflows.
If your organisation operates globally, our team can assist with jurisdiction-specific requirements or procurement reviews.
Our legal commitment
Annature is proudly Australian-owned and operated, and our digital signature platform is built to meet the legal expectations of modern business while maintaining simplicity, flexibility, and trust.
We are committed to transparency, reliability, and trust — and provide every customer with:
- Full document audit history
- Signer identity verification
- Secure hosting within Australia
- Document integrity protections
- Compliance with the Electronic Transactions Act 1999 and Electronic Transactions Regulations 2020
If your organisation requires a copy of our compliance documentation or needs help understanding how Annature meets legal obligations under Australian law, please contact our team.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While Annature makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and currency of the content, laws and regulations may change without notice. If you have specific legal questions or require advice in relation to the information presented here, we recommend seeking guidance from a qualified legal practitioner in your jurisdiction