Imagine replacing your contract signature with a selfie video of the person saying they understand.
It’s more human and more defensible.
Traditional contract signing has always relied on ink, paper and now digital equivalents like e-signatures. But in today’s world, where communication is shifting to voice notes, video calls and interactive content, it’s natural to ask: Do we really need a “signature” at all?
The short answer is no – not always. Under UK law, many contracts don’t require a signature to be legally binding. What really matters is informed consent. Voice and video consent are quickly becoming powerful alternatives, especially when clarity and proof of understanding are key.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
To understand why voice or video consent is legally valid, it’s important to look at the basics of UK contract law.
A contract in the UK is legally binding when four main elements exist:
A physical signature is not required to prove any of these elements. What matters is evidence of acceptance and understanding. A clear audio recording or video statement where someone confirms they’ve read, understood and agreed to terms can be stronger than a ticked box or scrawled signature.
For example, if a customer records a video saying, “I’ve read these terms and I agree to them”, there’s both verbal confirmation and a time-stamped, identifiable record of their consent.
The UK’s Electronic Communications Act 2000 and various case law examples support the principle that agreements can be made electronically, verbally or even through conduct, as long as it’s clear that both parties agreed.
Signatures don’t prove understanding. They simply show that someone clicked or scribbled at the bottom of a document. In many disputes, businesses find themselves defending claims that customers never really understood what they signed.
Voice and video consent go further. They show that the person heard, saw or spoke the key points. They create an audit trail that is far harder to dispute.
The shift to voice and video consent isn’t just a future concept – it reflects how we already engage with content every day. Think about it: we’re constantly using TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram Stories, FaceTime and voice notes to consume and respond to information. People send voice messages instead of long texts. We record selfie videos to explain things more clearly. We join video calls instead of writing long emails.
This isn’t just about convenience – it’s about how we process information. Voice and video are quicker, more human and more natural. Contracts should match that. With voice or video consent, you’re not forcing someone to wade through paragraphs of legal text. You’re giving them the same kind of experience they already have everywhere else – short, clear, and to the point.
Examples of this in everyday life
Voice and video consent opens the door for people who may struggle with traditional contracts, whether due to low literacy, visual impairments, language barriers or neurodiversity. Instead of asking someone to read through complex legal text, you can explain key terms clearly in plain English using spoken word or visuals. This approach respects different learning styles and helps more people give truly informed consent. By making agreements easier to understand and more accessible, you are not just reducing risk. You are building trust with a wider and more diverse audience.
Read our blog Accessibility is inclusion: One process for everyone to learn more on this subject
Here’s how we make voice consent legal in the UK simple:
Voice and video consent isn’t just a novelty. It can be more effective than signatures in situations where clarity is crucial:
This isn’t about replacing written terms entirely – it’s about pairing them with a human, accessible way to confirm understanding.
Signatures have been the standard for centuries, but the world has changed. Businesses and consumers want clarity, speed and confidence. Voice and video consent provide all three:
As regulations and technology evolve, it’s likely that video contracts will become standard in sectors where customer protection is key. By using
In our earlier blog, electronic signature vs informed consent: what’s the legal difference, we explored how a signature alone doesn’t always prove understanding. Voice and video consent fills that gap by capturing the moment of understanding, not just the moment of signing.
Voice and video consent isn’t just a legal workaround – it’s a better experience for your clients. It’s the natural next step in a world where people prefer videos over PDFs and conversations over fine print.
Explore how
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