Tell me more ×
Programmers Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for professional programmers interested in conceptual questions about software development. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 0 down vote favorite

Not sure if this is the best place to ask, but I can't seem to find any of the other SE sites that would fit better (unless there's a law one?)

I'm building an application that will replace an existing paper based form, and this form would normally be signed by the person filling it in.

Looking around, it's hard to find a good definitive resource to explain what I can and cannot accept as far as a signature goes.

It looks like some UK government online forms accept just your name typed into a box, but I've also heard you should back up with an email - so that process would be type name into a box along with providing an email address, send out an email, then make them click a link within the email to finally complete the verification.

Involving email seems very long winded and leaves the system open to spam filters blocking emails, forgotten emails that just sit in inbox's etc.

So, does anyone have any knowledge in this department? Personally, I'd love to just get them to type their name into a box and be done with it!

share|improve this question
"I can't seem to find any of the other SE sites that would fit better (unless there's a law one?)" Security.SE might be appropriate. Will see if a mod thinks so and can migrate to the right place. – StuperUser Dec 11 '12 at 15:10
1  
UK law aside, the email is utterly useless for verifying identity. It only verifies they are the creator of an email account. – mike30 Dec 11 '12 at 17:36
Thanks - its tough to find an accurate answer for this one, looks like I might have to end up talking to a solicitor who knows. I'm pretty sure that a name in a box is enough, but I'd rather find out 100% than be stung down the line! – Ben Griffiths Dec 11 '12 at 21:04

closed as off topic by Glenn Nelson, StuperUser, Blrfl, Walter, jk. Dec 11 '12 at 15:25

Questions on Programmers Stack Exchange are expected to relate to software development within the scope defined in the FAQ. Consider editing the question or leaving comments for improvement if you believe the question can be reworded to fit within the scope. Read more about closed questions here.

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.