Digital signatures in daily life

Life is getting more digitalised by the day. Sometimes technology can complicate matters; at other times it can relieve you of many avoidable tasks. Digital signature is one such technological application that simplifies life greatly. Yet many of us aren't aware as to how useful it can get. So let us look at some day-to-day uses of digital signatures.

For Individuals:

Bill payment: Your private key will confirm that the payment has indeed come from you and that the details like card number, expiry date etc. are true. In a physical transaction, you need to sign on the transaction slip, but how do you sign online? Going forward, you will be able to identify yourself digitally while paying your bills.

eCommerce: This includes online shopping for tangible products as well as services like travel packages, online courses, consultancy services, podcasts etc.

Insurance: You can apply for an insurance policy and give details online as well as correspond online for policy servicing. Not only this, you can also put in a claim online. Say you are recovering from an ailment and cannot visit the insurance company's branch or courier relevant documents. But if you have a computer with an internet connection and a scanner, you can speed up your case by submitting a claim online or email a scanned copy of the claim form and other documents.

ECS mandates: Utility payments are often made by giving your bank and service providers standing instructions on debiting your account every time a payment is due. Now if these transactions are going to happen electronically, you can issue instructions online too. And you can sign your mandate digitally, to reassure your bank and service providers that it is indeed you who has issued the instructions.

E-file your return: You can file your income tax return online in 2 ways. Either you can file a soft copy and follow it up with a personal visit to the tax office to submit a copy of the ITR-V and get the acknowledged copy back. Or you can simply attach your digital signature to your electronic return form and get an acknowledgement via email, without getting up from your seat! Who wouldn't choose the latter?

Using digital signatures will place the common man in a powerful position. As you play your part in ensuring safety, confidentiality and speed by using digital signatures, you can expect your service providers and product sellers to guarantee at least the same level of efficiency, if not higher.