API Reference

Email Timestamping

Simple Proof provides a secure and user-friendly method to timestamp files via email. This method is ideal for users who prefer not to interact with the API directly or for automated systems that can send files as email attachments.

Sending Address

All timestamping requests via email must be sent to the following verified address:

[email protected]

Note: Only pre-verified email addresses are authorized to use this service. Unverified senders will be rejected automatically.

Workflow Overview

The email-based timestamping process consists of three core steps:

1. Email Reception and Preprocessing

  • When an email is received at [email protected], the system performs the following:
    • Each attachment is individually hashed using the SHA-256 algorithm.
    • The entire email body, subject line, and metadata are treated as a single entity and hashed to preserve the full context.
    • All these hashes are submitted to the OpenTimestamps (OTS) protocol for anchoring on the Bitcoin blockchain.
  • You will immediately receive an acknowledgment email confirming that your files were received and are being passed for timestamping.

2. Blockchain Anchoring and Confirmations

  • The OpenTimestamps protocol batches your file hashes into Merkle trees and commits them in a Bitcoin transaction.
  • For maximum integrity and immutability, SimpleProof waits for at least 3 blockchain confirmations before notifying the user of the final result.
  • This is a security measure to ensure the timestamp has been irreversibly included in the Bitcoin ledger.

⚠️

Depending on network conditions, each confirmation may take approximately 10 minutes, meaning the full process may take 30 minutes or more before final confirmation.

3. Final Confirmation Email

  • Once the required confirmations have been reached, a second email is sent to the original sender.
  • This message contains:
    • Permanent links to the SimpleProof verification portal, where each file’s timestamp and blockchain proof can be reviewed.
    • Timestamp metadata including confirmation time, Bitcoin block height, and cryptographic proof of inclusion.

Example Email Flow

📥 Initial Acknowledgment

Body:
Your files have been received!
Your files have been received and are being processed in the blockchain. In a couple of minutes, you'll get another email confirming that the files have been timestamped.

[File Name + Type + Temporary Verification URLs]

✅ Final Confirmation

Body:
Your files are confirmed on the blockchain!
Your files have received at least one confirmation. You can now check each document's verification page to see the immutable proof.

The files were confirmed at [Confirmation time]

[File Name + Type + Permanent Verification URLs]

Technical Notes

  • The Bitcoin blockchain is used for timestamping via the OpenTimestamps protocol, ensuring public, decentralized, and immutable proof.
  • We wait for 3 confirmations as a best-practice standard in blockchain applications, ensuring the timestamp is secure against reorgs or double-spending attacks.
  • All email data and attachments are treated with strict security and privacy controls. Only hashed data is submitted to the blockchain.