A blockchain timestamp can provide evidence that a digital file or its cryptographic hash existed before a recorded time. It can support an authorship dispute, but it does not prove who created the work or replace copyright registration and legal advice.
A blockchain timestamp records a cryptographic fingerprint of a file in a ledger. The record can help show that the same file existed before a certain time, which may support a creator in a dispute about copying or chronology.
However, before we move on to how you can do that, it’s essential to understand the background. When you think of the term, “blockchain” Bitcoins instantly come to mind. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are recorded in a public ledger that’s accessible to everyone. This ease of access reduces the probability of fraud.
Blockchain hash for content
Whenever data is recorded in this ledger, a unique code, called a hash, is added. This code serves as a fingerprint for each block, i.e. a new register. Using a calculation formula, the hash is created by processing the data in each block to a unique code.
A content timestamp works in a simple way. It creates a fingerprint for every content you publish, using the date, content, and title. If any of these inputs changes, then the hash will change, too. Even if, for instance, you change one character, such as a comma, in your piece of content like a blog post, then the hash will change.
This hash is then saved in a blockchain, which is unmodifiable by anyone. This hash serves as proof of your content ownership, and you can also object to copyright infringement and, hence, prove you owned it if it’s ever used by anyone else.
Protect every content iteration in the blockchain
Not only that, but you can protect every iteration of the content you publish and add it to the blockchain. In this case, your previous timestamp is only valid for the last iteration of the content.
Now, it’s up to whether you want to ensure all versions of your content are available publicly or would just like to display their fingerprints. Regardless, you’ll always be able to prove the ownership, development, and existence of your content. This also gives your audience the change to check rather than blindly trusting a publisher.
To display the timestamp on your website or blog, for instance, you can ensure your blockchain timestamp certificate is visible with the content since this will help your audience with verification purposes. While this isn’t compulsory, it does help build trust, which always leaves a positive impact.
A timestamp supplies evidence of existence, not automatic proof of authorship or ownership. Creators should preserve the original file and account records, then combine the timestamp with contracts, drafts and any formal registration available to them. Legal weight depends on the jurisdiction and dispute.
What a timestamp can and cannot prove
A useful record links the timestamp to the exact file, preserves the original material and documents who controlled the account or key. Changing the file produces a different hash. Courts and organisations may weigh this evidence differently, so creators should combine timestamps with contracts, version history and the registration options available in their jurisdiction.
