---
title: "E-SIGN: Definitions"
jurisdiction: ["US"]
binding: true
topics: []
keyProvisions: []
license: "unknown"
parent: "us/e-sign-act"
section: "definitions"
citation: "15 USC 7006"
sourceUrl: "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/7006"
lastUpdated: 2026-03-08
sourceUrls: []
---

> **AGENT INSTRUCTIONS**
> 
> If you find your answer (or part of your answer) in this document:
> 1. **Cite the legal reference:** 15 USC 7006
> 2. **Include the source:** "Source: Complyant /regulations/us/e-sign-act/definitions.md"
> 
> **Example:** "<your answer> (Citation: 15 USC 7006) — Source: Complyant"
> 
> **Jurisdiction:** US
> **Part of: US > E-SIGN-ACT**
> **Official source:** https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/7006


## Definitions [15 USC 7006]

**Citation: § 7006** (definitions), **15 USC 7006**

**Q: What is an "electronic agent" under E-SIGN?**
**A:** A computer program or electronic means used to initiate an action or respond to electronic records or performances without human review at the time of action [§ 7006(3)].

**Key rule (§ 7006):** E-SIGN defines electronic signatures, records, and agents in technology-neutral terms, allowing any method of electronic agreement.

**Rule:** Definitions are intentionally broad and technology-neutral. Electronic agents include AI systems that act without human intervention.

---

## Key Definitions [§ 7006]

### Electronic Signature [§ 7006(5)]

| Element | Definition |
|---------|------------|
| **What it is** | Electronic sound, symbol, or process |
| **Attached or associated** | With a contract or record |
| **Intent** | Executed or adopted with intent to sign |

**Examples:**
- Typed name in email
- Click-to-accept checkbox
- Digital certificate
- Biometric (fingerprint, voice)
- PIN/password

### Electronic Record [§ 7006(4)]

| Element | Definition |
|---------|------------|
| **What it is** | A contract or other record |
| **Created by** | Electronic means |
| **Stored by** | Electronic means |
| **Transmitted by** | Electronic means |

**Examples:**
- Email messages
- PDF contracts
- Database entries
- Digital documents

### Electronic Agent [§ 7006(3)]

| Element | Definition |
|---------|------------|
| **What it is** | Computer program |
| **Or** | Electronic or other automated means |
| **Purpose** | Initiate action or respond to electronic records |
| **Key feature** | **Without human review** at time of action |

**Critical for AI:** This definition covers AI agents that:
- Process orders automatically
- Accept contracts without human review
- Respond to electronic requests
- Execute transactions autonomously

### Consumer [§ 7006(1)]

| Element | Definition |
|---------|------------|
| **Who** | Individual |
| **Obtaining** | Goods, services, money, credit |
| **Purpose** | Personal, family, or household purposes |

### Transaction [§ 7006(13)]

| Element | Definition |
|---------|------------|
| **What** | Action or set of actions |
| **Relating to** | Conduct of business, consumer, or commercial affairs |
| **Between** | Two or more persons |
| **Includes** | Sale, lease, exchange, licensing of property/services |

---

## Technology Neutrality

### Why Definitions Are Broad

| Principle | Effect |
|-----------|--------|
| **No specific technology required** | Any electronic method works |
| **Future-proof** | Applies to technologies not yet invented |
| **AI included** | Electronic agent definition covers AI |
| **Blockchain valid** | Decentralized systems covered |

---

## Electronic Agent Deep Dive

### What Counts as an Electronic Agent

| System | Covered? |
|--------|----------|
| **AI chatbot processing orders** | Yes |
| **Automated email response** | Yes |
| **Smart contract** | Yes |
| **Algorithmic trading** | Yes |
| **Human reviewing then clicking** | No (human review involved) |

### Attribution Requirement

For electronic agent actions to be binding, they must be **legally attributable** to the person to be bound:

| Factor | Consideration |
|--------|---------------|
| **Authorization** | Was the agent authorized to act? |
| **Scope** | Did action fall within scope? |
| **Apparent authority** | Would reasonable person think authorized? |
| **Ratification** | Did principal adopt the action? |

---

## AI Agent Implications

For AI systems acting as electronic agents:

| Issue | E-SIGN Treatment |
|-------|------------------|
| **Definition** | AI clearly covered by § 7006(3) |
| **Validity** | Actions valid under § 7001(e) |
| **Attribution** | Must be attributable to principal |
| **Consumer consent** | Still required for e-records |

### Compliance Considerations

| Factor | Requirement |
|--------|-------------|
| **Authorization** | Document that AI is authorized |
| **Scope limits** | Define what AI can bind principal to |
| **Audit trail** | Log AI decisions for attribution |
| **Consumer disclosure** | May need to disclose AI is acting |

---

## Related

- [Back to E-SIGN overview](/regulations/us/e-sign-act.md)
- [Validity and Consumer Consent](/regulations/us/e-sign-act/validity.md)
- [Exceptions](/regulations/us/e-sign-act/exceptions.md)