What is a QTSP and why use one?

A QTSP (Qualified Trust Service Provider) is an organisation that offers trust services in compliance with the eIDAS Regulation (Regulation on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market) of the European Union.

T

he main purpose of a QTSP is to provide a secure and reliable framework for electronic transactions within the digital realm. The services provided by a QTSP include a variety of essential functions for the security and legality of digital interactions, such as: 

• Electronic signatures: Ensure the authenticity and integrity of electronic documents.  

• Electronic seals: Function similarly to electronic signatures but are designed to be used by legal entities rather than individuals. 

• Time stamping: Provides proof of the exact moment when an electronic document was created or sent. 

• Electronic delivery services: Ensure the secure and reliable transmission of electronic documents and data between involved parties.  

• Website authentication: Verifies the legitimacy of websites, assuring users that they are interacting with a trusted entity. 

The main reasons to use a QTSP are: 

• Regulatory compliance: QTSPs adhere to strict eIDAS regulations, ensuring their services are legally recognised across the EU. 

• Enhanced security: They implement robust security measures, reducing the risk of fraud and tampering. 

• Trust and credibility: Regular audits and certifications by supervisory bodies enhance the trust and credibility of digital interactions. 

• Interoperability: QTSP services are interoperable across various platforms, facilitating seamless cross-border digital interactions. 

• Legal recognition: Their services have legal effect and are admissible as evidence in legal proceedings within the EU. 

An ally of the strictest european regulations  

A QTSP helps comply with several key European regulations, as mentioned previously, which govern the security, authenticity, and legal validity of electronic transactions. These regulations are fundamental in ensuring that digital interactions are secure and reliable throughout the European Union.  

eIDAS REGULATION (REGULATION (EU) NO 910/2014): 

• Description: The Regulation on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market, known as eIDAS, establishes a legal framework for electronic identification and trust services across the European Union. 

• Impact: It provides a legal basis for the use of electronic signatures, electronic seals, time stamping, electronic delivery services, and website authentication. This ensures that these services are legally recognised in all EU Member States, promoting interoperability and security. 

GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION (GDPR) (REGULATION (EU) 2016/679)  

• Description: The GDPR establishes strict rules regarding the protection of personal data and privacy for individuals within the European Union. 

• Impact: While not specific to trust services, the GDPR affects Qualified Trust Service Providers (QTSPs) in terms of how they handle and protect personal data during the provision of their services. QTSPs must ensure that data is processed securely and complies with data protection requirements. 

PAYMENT SERVICES DIRECTIVE (PSD2) (DIRECTIVE (EU) 2015/2366): 

• Description: PSD2 regulates payment services and aims to enhance the security of electronic payments while promoting innovation and competition. 

• Impact: QTSPs offering strong customer authentication services and other trust services can assist financial institutions in meeting PSD2 requirements, thereby improving the security of electronic payments. 

NIS DIRECTIVE (DIRECTIVE (EU) 2016/1148): 

• Description: The Network and Information Systems (NIS) Directive establishes measures to achieve a high common level of security for network and information systems across the European Union. 

• Impact: QTSPs, as providers of critical infrastructure, must adhere to NIS security requirements, ensuring that their services are resilient to cyberattacks and other threats. 

Benefits of using a QTSP 

Utilising the services of a Qualified Trust Service Provider (QTSP) not only ensures compliance with European regulations but also offers numerous operational and strategic advantages for organisations. QTSPs play a crucial role in the digital transformation of businesses. Below are some key benefits of employing a QTSP: 

• Legal certainty: Transactions and documents signed through a QTSP are legally binding and recognised across the EU, reducing legal risks. 

• Increased efficiency: QTSPs streamline digital processes, decreasing the need for paper transactions and enhancing productivity. 

• Cost savings: They reduce the need for physical documentation and manual processes, saving on administrative costs. 

• Enhanced user experience: QTSPs provide user-friendly solutions for electronic identification and authentication. 

• Global reach: Many QTSPs offer internationally recognised services, supporting global business operations. 

• Scalability: QTSPs offer scalable solutions to accommodate increasing volumes of digital transactions. 

• Trusted digital environment: They help establish a reliable digital environment, fostering greater adoption of digital services and e-commerce.  

By leveraging QTSP services, organisations can ensure that their digital transactions are secure and legally recognised throughout the EU, thereby improving operational efficiency and legal standing. 

Discover the advantages of collaborating with a QTSP