Proof of Existence
Integrity and timing of canonical artefacts are proven by SHA-256 fingerprints anchored through OpenTimestamps into the Bitcoin blockchain, with receipts held on file. The AI Constitution's artefact is anchored in block 917510 and later blocks; the v1.0 public releases in block 937474. Plaintext is never written on-chain.
Canonical definition
Proof of existence is the mechanism by which the framework demonstrates that a canonical artefact existed no later than a given time: its SHA-256 digest is anchored through OpenTimestamps into the Bitcoin blockchain, and the receipts are held on file for verification.
Why this node exists
A fingerprint proves integrity; an anchor proves timing. Together they give an "existence as of" posture that is independent of any institution's say-so.
Operational meaning
The evidence pipeline is export, SHA-256 digest, ledger timestamp, Evidence Locker, Package Index. No plaintext is placed on public ledgers. The public releases of v1.0 are anchored in block 937474, attesting existence no later than 2026-02-20. The Constitution's archival artefact carries its own digest, anchored in blocks 917510, 917515 and 917582, and referenced inside the public copy's provenance notice.
What this does not mean
An anchor proves that bytes with this digest existed at that time. It does not prove authorship, correctness or official status; official status comes from the docket.
Canonical facts
- Method
- SHA-256 plus OpenTimestamps into Bitcoin, redundant anchors where used
- Public releases v1.0
- block 937474, no later than 2026-02-20 CET (dockets PR-0001, PR-0002, PR-0004)
- Constitution archival artefact
- digest 1A801DED…, blocks 917510, 917515, 917582 (provenance notice)
- Sentinel Liaison Protocol
- receipts held on file, verifiable once calendar confirmation is complete (PR-0003)
- Verification
- compute the digest, compare with the Package Index or docket, verify the .ots receipt (Annex Index §6)
Structural relationships
Outgoing
- Proof of Existence anchors Canonical Release
Incoming
- Canonical Release uses Proof of Existence