Timestamping with opentimestamps

This talk will explore timestamping and its role in proving the existence of digital documents at a specific point in time. We’ll cover how traditional timestamping relies on third-party digital signatures, and how OpenTimestamps leverages the Bitcoin blockchain to provide decentralized, tamper-proof proofs using Merkle trees. Additionally, we’ll discuss ProofMode, a tool designed to help individuals capture verifiable metadata from mobile devices, enabling human rights documentation and digital evidence gathering. By combining blockchain technology and open-source tools, we’ll see how timestamping strengthens digital trust and authenticity.