N1X Copyright Evidence Bureau

Introduction

NCEB creates a tamper-evident record of a file at a point in time. It helps creators preserve evidence of their work before sharing, pitching or publishing it.

Digital evidence submission

Users submit a file to generate an evidence record. The record is based on the file’s cryptographic fingerprint.

Cryptographic file fingerprinting

Every file produces a unique fingerprint. Changing even a single byte produces a completely different fingerprint, so the record identifies exactly one version of the work.

SHA-256

NCEB uses SHA-256, a widely adopted cryptographic hash function, to compute the 256-bit fingerprint of each submitted file.

Ed25519 signatures

The evidence record — fingerprint plus timestamp — is digitally signed using Ed25519, a modern public-key signature scheme. Any alteration to the record invalidates the signature.

Timestamp records

Each record states the date and time at which the fingerprint was recorded by NCEB.

Evidence receipts

A receipt summarises the fingerprint, timestamp, record identifier and signature for safekeeping.

QR verification

Receipts include a QR code linking to the verification page for that record.

Public verification

Anyone holding the original file can recompute its fingerprint and compare it with the signed record to confirm that the file matches.

Digital evidence management

Records are organised so users can locate and present evidence when needed.

Creative industries

Writers, designers, photographers, musicians and filmmakers can record manuscripts, artwork, recordings and scripts before sharing them.

Software and technology

Developers and teams can record source code snapshots, designs and technical documentation.

Business document use cases

Proposals, research, pitch decks and business plans can be recorded before external circulation.

Technical verification methodology

Verification is independent of trust in a single screen: compute SHA-256 of the file, confirm it equals the recorded fingerprint, then validate the Ed25519 signature over the record using NCEB’s public key.

1. Compute the SHA-256 hash of the original file
2. Compare with the fingerprint in the receipt
3. Validate the Ed25519 signature on the record
4. Confirm the recorded timestamp

Private timestamping vs statutory registration

An NCEB record is private evidence that a file existed at a certain time. It is not copyright registration with the Copyright Office or any statutory authority, and it does not by itself establish authorship or exclusive ownership. Its weight in any dispute is decided by the relevant court or authority.