# Canonical Release

IBQMI Knowledge Graph · node `canonical_release` · type `issuance_rule` · cluster Instruments · https://www.ibqmi.com/graph/canonical_release

> An instrument version is official only when it is issued by the Hybrid Board, carries a release label and UTC timestamp, and its canonical SHA-256 fingerprint and release metadata are docketed in the Public Record. Possession of identical bytes is not issuance.

## Canonical definition
A canonical release is the official issuance of an instrument version: issued by the Hybrid Board, identified by a release label and a UTC timestamp, and recorded in the Public Record under a docket with its canonical SHA-256 fingerprint and release metadata.

## Why this node exists
Possession of a file is not issuance. Official status depends on the docket, not on the bytes, and this rule is what makes third-party copies harmless and derivatives distinguishable.

## Operational meaning
Verification is a one-minute path: obtain the canonical PDF from the release endpoint, compute SHA-256, compare with the docketed fingerprint and, where provided, verify the OpenTimestamps receipt. Authorized copies are byte-identical reproductions; publication copies may add release metadata if marked; any derivative must be marked non-authoritative and cite the fingerprint it references.

## What this does not mean
A canonical release is not an endorsement by anyone and not a claim of legal force. Two hashes can coexist for one instrument: the archival artefact's digest referenced inside a copy, and the docketed fingerprint of the public release; only the latter is verifiable against the downloadable file.

## Canonical facts
- Validity conditions: issued by the Hybrid Board; release label and UTC timestamp; fingerprint and metadata docketed (Statute §3.2)
- Fingerprint method: SHA-256, published per release
- Verification: compute SHA-256 of the canonical PDF, compare with the docket, verify the OTS receipt (FAQ)
- Derivatives: must be marked non-authoritative and cite the referenced fingerprint (Statute §3.4)
- Current releases: AI Constitution v1.0 (PR-0001), Board Statute v1.0 (PR-0002), Sentinel Liaison Protocol v0.8 (PR-0003), supplements set v1.0 (PR-0004)

## Structural relationships

- Canonical Release requires [Docket](https://www.ibqmi.com/graph/docket)
- Canonical Release uses [Proof of Existence](https://www.ibqmi.com/graph/proof_of_existence)
- [Hybrid Board](https://www.ibqmi.com/graph/hybrid_board) issues Canonical Release
- [No Silent Edits](https://www.ibqmi.com/graph/no_silent_edits) requires Canonical Release
- [Proof of Existence](https://www.ibqmi.com/graph/proof_of_existence) anchors Canonical Release

## Sources

- [Board Statute §3.2, §10.0](https://www.ibqmi.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Board_Statute_public.pdf)
- [Public Record — What makes a version official?](https://www.ibqmi.com/records/)
- [Download the AI Constitution — canonical release endpoint](https://www.ibqmi.com/download-the-constitution/)