An electronic signature is defined by United States Code as "an electronic sound, symbol, or process, attached to or logically associated with a contract or other record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record." Electronic signatures are being used increasingly by businesses as e-commerce online continues to grow. Electronic signatures are often used to sign official contracts, and can also be used for verification purposes when sending email or transferring data. Free electronic signature services are available online that can help users create, track, and organize documents in need of electronic signatures. Since the Federal E-Sign Act was passes by the United States Congress in 2000, documents with electronic signatures are now recognized as being equally valid as paper documents. The E-Sign Act both legitimized and validated electronic signatures, leading to an increase in their use among businesses as well as private individuals.