SAFE — the Association  SAFE is a member-governed, not-for-profit enterprise that - Manages and promotes the SAFE standard
- Provides a legal and contractual framework
- Provides technical infrastructure to bridge different credentialing systems
- Provides SAFE identity credentials, both directly and through vendors
- Supports vendors who supply SAFE-enabled products.
SAFE members exchange SAFE-signed documents with each other, secure in trusting the identity at both ends of the electronic connection. We use SAFE signatures, confident that they have the same legal weight as ink signatures. We submit electronic regulatory documents without a paper backup. We use SAFE-certified products from vendors, certain that they comply with the SAFE standard. SAFE will expand to its true value as more companies join the Association.When only a few banks provided ATM cards, their value was limited. Now, virtually every bank provides ATM cards. Customers use them for secure financial transactions around the world. As more companies join SAFE, the value of SAFE digital signatures increases. The network of people who can confidently send SAFE-signed documents to each other expands with each new member. SAFE — Managing the Standard  The SAFE standard includes business policies and technical specifications. Key aspects of the standard are:
- Legal enforceability. SAFE credentials and the digital signatures they create are the legal equivalent of an ink-based signature. SAFE signatures meet three key legal criteria. With authentication, you are sure of the identity of the person who provided the signature. With integrity, you are sure the document has not been altered since it was signed. With non-repudiation, you are sure that the sender cannot say he didn't sign the document.
- Regulatory compliance. The SAFE standard meets or exceeds regulatory guidelines for 21 CFR Part 11 and HIPAA. SAFE designed the standard to meet similar international guidelines. We ensure that new versions comply with emerging regulations.
- Strong Security. The SAFE standard ensures security and data integrity. With two-factor authentication, users need both their SAFE credential and their passcode to digitally sign a document. This is similar to automatic teller machines, which require people to provide both their ATM card and their PIN. The standard uses public key infrastructure (PKI) to apply digital signatures to documents and to assure the integrity of their content.
- Global. Our members are global companies. We need a global standard, both for internal and external use.
SAFE-BioPharma Association developed the SAFE standard. We continue to maintain and enhance the standard. SAFE — Providing Credentials and Tools  The SAFE standard requires a SAFE identity credential, usually in the form of a USB token or a “smart badge”. Members can either purchase credentials from SAFE-BioPharma Association or from vendors. We provide “Proof of Concept” credentials that let you “try before you buy” for a one-year life span. Or, purchase Production credentials that meet all legal and regulatory requirements for a licensed life span. As members implement the SAFE standard, we increase our understanding of business changes needed for success. We learn about different approaches to implementing technology to support the standard. From those experiences, we develop and deliver tools and services to help implement new SAFE solutions successfully. | 
