Article 59

What it means when you sign

This article gives electronic evidence a stated weight in court. Except for what the earlier provision on electronic evidence says, electronic evidence has the same probative value as an informal instrument, under the provisions of this law.

That means electronic evidence is treated like an ordinary private document rather than like an official document. It does not say the electronic record always wins, only that it carries the weight the law gives to informal instruments.

When you are about to sign a contract, this article means an electronic record of an agreement, such as a message, an email or an electronic copy, may be used as evidence on the same footing as a private paper document. A clause saying that electronic communications, electronic signatures or electronic copies are valid between the parties relates to this article. A clause that tries to exclude electronic records altogether, or that treats the electronic copy as less than the paper one, may be read against the weight this article gives them.