Are electronic signatures legal in Palestine? Which laws mainly regulate electronic signatures?

Electronic signatures are legal in Palestine, and they are mainly regulated by the Electronic Transactions Law No. 15 of 2017.

What types of electronic signatures are recognized in Palestine? What are the requirements for each?

Palestine recognizes two types of electronic signatures: electronic signatures and reliable electronic signatures.

1. Electronic Signature

Refers to an electronic data set related to an electronic transaction, whether in the form of letters, numbers, symbols, or other similar forms, to allow the signatory to be identified and distinguished in order to approve the content of the electronic transaction.

2. Reliable Electronic Signature

Reliable electronic signatures must meet the following requirements:

• Must be unique to the user

• Must be able to identify the person

• Must be created by means that the signatory can maintain under their exclusive control (guaranteed by an electronic signature digital certificate)

• Must be associated with the record in a manner that ensures that subsequent changes can be detected

In Palestine, in which scenarios can electronic signatures be used?

Electronic signatures can be used in scenarios including but not limited to the following:

• Commercial contracts: purchase orders, service agreements, distribution agreements, and B2B agreements

• Consumer transactions: online retail agreements, digital subscriptions, and mobile application terms of service

• Corporate governance: internal company resolutions, board meeting minutes (unless expressly prohibited by the company’s articles of association), and shareholder notices

• Employment documents: non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), employment offer letters, and internal human resources policies

In Palestine, in which scenarios do traditional signatures need to be used?

The following scenarios typically require the use of traditional signatures:

• Real estate disposal transactions, including related powers of attorney and title certificates, as well as the establishment of physical rights therein

• Personal identity transactions: such as marriage, divorce, and wills

• Bonds and negotiable instruments

• Documents requiring notarization