vDPO Proof records a fingerprint of a file on a public blockchain, so you can later show that the exact file existed at that time. These terms explain what a proof does and does not show.
1. How it works
- Your browser calculates a SHA-256 fingerprint of each file you choose. The file itself is never uploaded to vDPO or anyone else.
- vDPO records the fingerprint on the Arc public blockchain, where it receives a timestamp.
- Anyone with the same file can later recalculate its fingerprint and check it against the blockchain record, with vDPO or independently.
2. What a proof shows
A proof shows that a file with exactly the same content existed no later than the time recorded on the blockchain.
3. What a proof does not show
- Who created or owns the file, or who wrote its content.
- That the content is true, lawful, original or complete.
- That any agreement in the file was signed or is binding.
- What a court, regulator or other party will accept. They decide how much weight to give a proof, and may require supporting evidence or certificates under applicable law, such as the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
4. Keep the original file
vDPO does not store your files. Keep an exact, unchanged copy of each file you prove: changing even one character, re-saving or converting it produces a different fingerprint, and the proof will no longer match. We cannot recover lost files.
5. Records are permanent
Blockchain records cannot be changed or deleted by vDPO or anyone else. A fingerprint does not reveal the file's content, but avoid proving very short or guessable content (such as a single word or number), since its fingerprint could be matched by guessing.
6. Labels and notes
Labels and private notes you add are stored in your vDPO account and are not written to the blockchain. They are deleted if you delete your account.
7. Credits
Each proof uses one credit. If a proof cannot be recorded, its credit is returned automatically. Credits are valid for three years from purchase and are not refundable once added; see the Refund and Cancellation Policy.
8. Availability
Recording depends on the blockchain network being available. If it is slow or unavailable, a proof may be delayed or fail; a failed proof's credit is returned. Verification of past proofs does not depend on vDPO, since the records are public.