Question 1

What is Prima Evidence?

Accepted Answer

Prima Evidence is a digital timestamping service that creates permanent, verifiable proof that a specific file existed at a specific point in time. It works by recording a cryptographic fingerprint (SHA-256 hash) of your file on the Arweave blockchain — a decentralized network designed for permanent data storage.

Question 2

What does "proof of existence" mean?

Accepted Answer

Proof of existence establishes that a specific file existed in its exact form at a recorded timestamp. It does not prove who created the file, who owns it, or who has rights to it. It proves only that the file — byte for byte — existed at the time the proof was created.

Question 3

What types of files can I create proofs for?

Accepted Answer

Any digital file — documents, images, videos, audio, source code, contracts, designs, spreadsheets, databases, archives, or any other file format. The service generates a hash of the file's raw binary content, so format does not matter. The maximum file size is 25 MB per file.

Question 4

Who is this service for?

Accepted Answer

Prima Evidence is designed for anyone who needs to establish when a digital file existed: creators protecting original works, businesses preserving contracts and records, researchers timestamping datasets and findings, developers proving code authorship, legal professionals establishing document timelines, and individuals preserving important personal records.

Question 5

Is this a notarization or legal certification service?

Accepted Answer

No. Prima Evidence is not a notary, legal certification, or legal advisory service. It provides cryptographic evidence of existence only. While blockchain timestamps can serve as supporting evidence, their legal weight varies by jurisdiction. Consult a qualified legal professional for matters requiring legal certainty.

Question 6

Can I prove I owned something before a specific date?

Accepted Answer

No. The proof establishes existence only from the moment it is created. It cannot retroactively prove that a file existed prior to the timestamp. If you need to establish a timeline, create proofs as early as possible.

Question 7

How do I create a proof?

Accepted Answer

1. Go to the Create Proof page and select your file.
2. Your browser generates a SHA-256 hash of the file locally — the file never leaves your device.
3. Enter your email address and optionally add a title and description.
4. Select your currency and complete the payment via Flutterwave.
5. After payment, your hash is recorded on the Arweave blockchain.
6. You receive a confirmation email with your Proof ID and Arweave transaction ID.

Question 8

Does my file get uploaded to your servers?

Accepted Answer

No. Your file never leaves your device. The SHA-256 hash is computed entirely in your browser using the Web Crypto API. Only the 64-character hexadecimal hash string is transmitted — it is mathematically impossible to reconstruct your file from this hash.

Question 9

What is a SHA-256 hash?

Accepted Answer

SHA-256 is a cryptographic algorithm that converts any data into a unique 64-character hexadecimal string (256 bits). Even changing a single byte in the file produces a completely different hash. This makes it a reliable digital fingerprint — two different files will never produce the same hash (the probability of a collision is less than 1 in 2^128).

Question 10

What metadata can I include with my proof?

Accepted Answer

You can optionally include a title (up to 200 characters) and a description (up to 1,000 characters). This metadata is stored publicly and permanently on the Arweave blockchain alongside your hash. Do not include sensitive, personal, or confidential information in the metadata — it cannot be removed or modified after submission.

Question 11

Can I create proofs for multiple files at once?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The batch proof feature allows you to select multiple files (up to 10 per batch). Each file is hashed independently and receives its own proof record and Arweave transaction. The batch is tracked under a single Batch ID for convenience.

Question 12

How do I verify a proof?

Accepted Answer

Go to the Verify page and either upload the original file (the hash is computed in your browser) or paste the SHA-256 hash directly. The system checks whether a matching proof exists on the Arweave blockchain and displays the proof details including the timestamp, Arweave transaction ID, and metadata.

Question 13

Can anyone verify my proof?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Proof verification is public and free. Anyone with the original file or its SHA-256 hash can verify the proof on Prima Evidence. They can also independently verify the Arweave transaction using any Arweave gateway (e.g., arweave.net or gateway.irys.xyz) without relying on Prima Evidence at all.

Question 14

What if my file has been modified since the proof was created?

Accepted Answer

Even the smallest change to a file — a single byte, a re-saved image, an updated metadata tag — produces a completely different SHA-256 hash. The modified file will not match the original proof. Only the exact, unmodified original file will verify successfully.

Question 15

I lost my certificate. Can I get it again?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Go to the Verify page, verify your file or hash, and click "Download Certificate." A 6-digit verification code will be sent to the email address that was used when the proof was created. Enter the code to unlock the download. Codes expire after 10 minutes.

Question 16

Why do I need email verification to re-download my certificate?

Accepted Answer

Email verification ensures that only the person who created the proof can download the certificate. While the proof data itself is public on the Arweave blockchain, the certificate download is gated to the original email as an identity safeguard.

Question 17

Is my proof truly permanent?

Accepted Answer

Arweave is designed for permanence, and data on the network is replicated across many nodes globally. However, actual permanence depends on the continued operation and economic viability of the Arweave network. While the design is robust, no technology can provide an absolute guarantee of perpetual availability. See our Risk Disclosures for full details.

Question 18

Can anyone modify or delete my proof after it is created?

Accepted Answer

No. Data on the Arweave blockchain is immutable. Once your proof is recorded, it cannot be modified, corrected, or deleted by anyone — including Vlaander LTD, Arweave miners, or any third party. This is by design and is a core property of the blockchain.

Question 19

What payment methods are accepted?

Accepted Answer

Payments are processed by Flutterwave and support: bank cards (Visa, Mastercard), bank transfers, mobile money, USSD, and other methods available in your region. The available options depend on your selected currency and location.

Question 20

Can I get a refund?

Accepted Answer

All payments are final and non-refundable once the proof transaction has been initiated. This is because the Arweave storage cost is incurred immediately and blockchain writes are irreversible. Please verify your file, hash, and metadata carefully before proceeding with payment.

Question 21

Is payment information stored by Prima Evidence?

Accepted Answer

No. Payment processing is handled entirely by Flutterwave. Vlaander LTD receives only the transaction reference, amount, currency, and confirmation status. We do not see or store your card details, bank account numbers, or other sensitive financial information.

Question 22

What data does Prima Evidence collect?

Accepted Answer

We collect the minimum data necessary: your email address (for proof delivery), the SHA-256 hash of your file, any metadata you provide (title/description), the payment transaction reference, and the Arweave transaction ID. We do not collect your name, address, file contents, or use tracking cookies. See our Privacy Policy for the complete list.

Question 23

Is the proof data public?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The hash, metadata, timestamp, Proof ID, and payment reference are stored on the public Arweave blockchain. This data is accessible to anyone and cannot be made private after submission. Do not include sensitive information in your proof metadata.

Question 24

I did not receive my confirmation email. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Check your spam/junk folder first. Confirmation emails are sent from noreply@primaevidence.com. If you still cannot find it, visit the status page using the Proof ID shown after payment (bookmark it during the process). If the proof is confirmed, you can also recover your certificate via the Verify page using email verification.

Question 25

How do I contact support?

Accepted Answer

For technical issues, email technology@vlaander.com with your Proof ID and a description of the issue. For legal matters and data protection requests, email legal@vlaander.com. For commercial enquiries, partnerships, or enterprise pricing, email sales@vlaander.com.

Question 26

What happens if Prima Evidence shuts down?

Accepted Answer

Your proof records exist independently on the Arweave blockchain and are not dependent on Prima Evidence. Even if Vlaander LTD ceases operations, your proofs remain permanently accessible via any Arweave gateway using the transaction ID from your confirmation email or certificate. This is a key advantage of decentralized storage.

Question 27

Is Prima Evidence a certified timestamp authority under Japan's certification program?

Accepted Answer

No. Prima Evidence is not a certified timestamp authority (認定タイムスタンプ事業者) under Japan's Time-Stamp Certification Program administered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. We are a blockchain-based timestamping service that uses the Arweave permanent storage network. Our approach is complementary to certified timestamp providers — we offer decentralized, immutable storage that does not depend on any single authority, while certified providers offer government-recognized timestamps. Many users choose to use both for maximum evidentiary coverage.

Question 28

Are Prima Evidence proof records admissible as evidence in Japanese courts?

Accepted Answer

The admissibility of electronic evidence in Japanese courts is determined at the discretion of the presiding judge. Blockchain timestamps can serve as supplementary evidence demonstrating that a specific digital fingerprint (SHA-256 hash) existed at a recorded time. However, Prima Evidence does not guarantee that any proof record will be admissible or given evidentiary weight in any Japanese legal proceeding. We strongly recommend consulting a qualified Japanese attorney (弁護士) before relying on any proof record for legal purposes.

Question 29

Is Prima Evidence compatible with Japan's e-Document Law (e文書法)?

Accepted Answer

Prima Evidence provides cryptographic timestamping and tamper-evident hash verification that aligns with the technical principles of electronic document integrity. However, our service is not a government-certified system under the Act on Electronic Signatures and Certification Business (電子署名法). For regulated industries that require strict e-Document Law compliance — such as finance, healthcare, or government contracting — we recommend using Prima Evidence as an additional verification layer alongside a certified Japanese timestamp provider (認定タイムスタンプ事業者) for comprehensive document integrity assurance.

Question 30

How is personal data of Japanese users handled?

Accepted Answer

Prima Evidence collects minimal personal data: only your email address and the SHA-256 hash of your file. Your actual file never leaves your browser — only the cryptographic hash is transmitted. We do not collect names, addresses, phone numbers, or location data. Our data handling practices are designed to be compatible with Japan's Act on the Protection of Personal Information (個人情報保護法 / APPI). For complete details, please review our Privacy Policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Categories

The Service

Creating a Proof

Verifying a Proof

Certificates & Downloads

Blockchain & Technology

Pricing & Payment

Privacy & Data

Support

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