Simple Proof
Bitcoin-based document timestamping service that anchors cryptographic hashes of digital records to the Bitcoin blockchain, creating tamper-proof proof of existence and authenticity.
What It Does
Simple Proof uses the OpenTimestamps protocol to generate a cryptographic hash (fingerprint) of any digital document, then anchors that hash to the Bitcoin blockchain. Once anchored, the document's existence at a specific point in time becomes verifiable by anyone — no trust in Simple Proof required.
Key Features
- Immutable timestamps: Documents hashed and anchored to Bitcoin's Timechain
- Independent verification: Verify any timestamp using open-source tools without relying on Simple Proof's infrastructure
- Enterprise integrations: Amazon S3, DocuSign, and other document workflows
- Permissionless: Uses Bitcoin's blockchain as the neutral, uncensorable anchor
Notable Deployment
Screven County, Georgia (2024) — First U.S. jurisdiction to use Bitcoin's blockchain to secure election results. Simple Proof timestamped key election reports, producing tamper-proof, publicly verifiable records. The case demonstrated Bitcoin timestamping at the highest-stakes level of democratic governance.
Relation to Round Rock Bitcoiners
- Meetup #25 (June 2024) featured Carlos Toriello presenting "Immutable Democracy"
- Demonstrated practical use of Bitcoin beyond payments: cryptographic proof and public record integrity
- Aligned with the meetup's focus on real-world Bitcoin applications (elections, governance, document security)
See also
- OpenTimestamps
- [concepts/no-kyc-acquisition.md] — related privacy concepts
- [concepts/custody-models.md] — complementary record-keeping