Question 1

What is ProveChain?

Accepted Answer

ProveChain is a cryptographic timestamping tool that creates unforgeable proofs of authorship. It uses SHA-256 hashing to generate cryptographic fingerprints of your files, proving you had access to those files at a specific point in time.

Question 2

How does ProveChain work?

Accepted Answer

ProveChain hashes your files using SHA-256, creates a timestamped JSON proof, and (for paid tiers) anchors that proof to the Bitcoin blockchain via OpenTimestamps for immutable verification. For browser and CLI proofs, hashing happens locally on your machine.

Question 3

Do you store my files?

Accepted Answer

No. ProveChain only stores cryptographic hashes (SHA-256 fingerprints), never the files themselves. On the Free tier, nothing is sent to our servers at all. On paid tiers, we store proof metadata (file paths, hashes, timestamps).

Question 4

Will ProveChain proofs hold up in court?

Accepted Answer

ProveChain proofs provide strong cryptographic evidence of file possession at a specific time. While we cannot guarantee legal outcomes, cryptographic proofs are increasingly accepted in IP disputes and patent applications. SHA-256 is the court-accepted standard.

Question 5

What hashing algorithm does ProveChain use?

Accepted Answer

SHA-256 (Secure Hash Algorithm 256-bit), the same cryptographic hash function used by Git, Bitcoin, and TLS certificates. It is an industry-standard algorithm audited by security researchers worldwide.

Question 6

Which blockchain does ProveChain use for timestamping?

Accepted Answer

ProveChain uses the Bitcoin blockchain via OpenTimestamps for immutable proof anchoring (paid tiers only). OpenTimestamps creates a cryptographic proof that your file hash existed at a specific point in time, anchored to the Bitcoin blockchain.

Question 7

What is the difference between Free and Paid tiers?

Accepted Answer

The Free tier gives you unlimited access to the CLI and Web UI for local hashing. Paid tiers add cloud storage, blockchain timestamping, and proof history tracking. Founding Members get all features for €5/month locked forever.

Question 8

Is ProveChain GDPR compliant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ProveChain follows privacy-by-design principles, collects minimal data, honours right-to-deletion requests, and processes data only as necessary to provide the service.

Question 9

Can I use ProveChain for patent applications?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Timestamped proofs can establish "date of invention" or "prior art" in patent applications. However, patent law is complex, so consult a patent attorney for your specific case.

Question 10

Can I verify proofs without ProveChain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Proof files are standard JSON format containing file paths and hashes. You can manually re-hash your files and compare against the proof using any SHA-256 tool (e.g., sha256sum on Linux, CertUtil on Windows).

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