A trust service provider (TSP) is an entity that issues and manages trust services such as electronic signatures, seals, timestamps and website authentication certificates. Under regimes like the EU eIDAS regulation, qualified TSPs meet stringent audit and security requirements so that the services they provide carry defined legal effect. A TSP operates the cryptographic infrastructure — certificate issuance, timestamping authorities and validation services — that lets relying parties trust the authenticity and integrity of electronic transactions. It is a cornerstone of digital identity and electronic trust frameworks.
- A trust service provider issues and manages electronic trust services such as signatures, seals, timestamps and authentication certificates. It operates a Certificate Authority and a Timestamp Authority, underpins Digital Signature validity, and acts as a Trust Anchor within Security frameworks.
Overview
- TSPs are the operational backbone of legally recognised electronic trust. Qualified TSPs, audited against regimes such as eIDAS, provide services whose outputs carry defined legal effect.
- They run the cryptographic infrastructure that lets relying parties verify who signed what, and when, without prior direct relationships.
- The role connects digital trust to Identity, Authentication and Non-Repudiation.
Key aspects
- Qualified status: meeting heightened security, audit and accountability requirements unlocks stronger legal presumptions.
- Service portfolio: certificate issuance, timestamping, validation, and preservation services.
- Supervision: TSPs operate under conformity assessment and supervisory oversight.
Mechanisms
- The Certificate Authority binds identities to public keys and issues certificates.
- The Timestamp Authority asserts the existence of data at a point in time using trusted clocks.
- Validation services check certificate status and signature integrity for relying parties.
Applications
- Legally binding electronic signing of contracts and documents.
- Trusted timestamping for evidence, archiving and compliance.
- Website authentication certificates anchoring secure connections.