Despite its age, fax is still considered one of the most legally reliable ways to transmit documents. But why is that, and when should you use fax?
In an era dominated by emails and messaging apps, fax may seem like a relic. Yet when it comes to legal certainty, fax has decisive advantages: automatic proof of delivery, high acceptance by authorities and documented transmission.
Why fax is legally recognised
The legal recognition of fax is based on a decisive advantage: the transmission report. It automatically records:
- Date and exact time of transmission
- The recipient's fax number
- The number of pages transmitted
- The transmission status (successful/failed)
A positive transmission report supports the assumption that the document reached the recipient. This shift in the burden of proof is a major advantage over other transmission methods.
Fax vs email: the decisive difference
While emails pass through several servers on their way to the recipient and can get caught in spam filters, fax uses a direct point-to-point connection. That means:
- No intermediate stations where messages can be lost
- Immediate feedback on the transmission status
- No risk of ending up in the spam folder
An email read receipt can be refused by the recipient, whereas a fax transmission report is generated automatically and cannot be influenced by the recipient.
Online fax: modern and legally secure
With modern online fax services such as FaxMonkey, you combine the legal certainty of classic fax with the convenience of digital communication:
- No fax machine needed: Send faxes directly from your computer or smartphone
- Digital archiving: All transmission reports are saved automatically
- Immediate delivery: Your document reaches the recipient in seconds
- Full legal certainty: Identical transmission standard to classic fax machines
This way you benefit from fax without having to invest in outdated hardware.