Electronic signature software is often used to sign electronic documents, contracts, and even email. An electronic signature is an electronic image that is a representation of a handwritten signature. Electronic signature software inserts a specific representative image into a document. The image may be a digital representation of a person's signature, or it may be text such as "I, John Smith, sign this document." Often, for sensitive documents, electronic signature software is used in conjunction with digital signature software, which is encrypted and offers a higher level of protection. The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, also called the E-Sign Act, gives equal legal standing to electronic signatures, ensuring that they are treated as equal to handwritten signatures. The Federal E-Sign Act was adopted by the United States Congress in 2000 in response to the increasing use of electronic contracts by businesses as well as private individuals.