Modern communication relies on e-mail and increasingly on messengers, voice messages and chat. In projects and other service contracts, smartphones are also used to communicate via these channels. In many areas, legally binding agreements can be made in this way; only in certain cases are contractual or statutory formal requirements to be observed. In the event of a dispute, however, compliance with the form is not sufficient; it is also necessary to be able to prove the agreements.
E-mail, messenger, voice messages and chat are superior to a fleeting conversation on the phone or on site, but do not achieve the probative force of hand-signed or qualified electronically signed declarations. The lecture will explain what options are available, where the limits are and what needs to be taken into account. In addition, the lecture will present the security of this communication, especially with regard to confidentiality. Finally, attention must also be paid to the data protection requirements according to EU DS-GVO and BDSG.