What is the Difference from Notary?

A timestamp verifies the existence of any digital content at a specific date and ensures that it has not been altered since then. Similar to notarized evidence, a timestamp holds legal validity. Digital timestamps are nearly impossible to counterfeit. The delays, paperwork, and high costs associated with notary processes are considered outdated methods for data verification. While a notary provides a paper-based certification for your works, My Art Proof offers a certification service that establishes ownership rights over your works through a legally valid timestamp.

Timestamps carry official status and can be verified through the National Council of Notaries.

Notary processes are generally valid only within the legal system of the country where the certification is performed. If a notarized document is to be used in another country, additional steps such as obtaining an apostille or consular verification are often required. In contrast, timestamps have international validity. For example, under the eIDAS Regulation (910/2014), timestamps are recognized across European Union countries and also provide a legal basis supporting copyright ownership in 181 countries that are parties to the Berne Convention. Thus, timestamps offer a broader scope of applicability compared to notary processes, especially for the protection and legal recognition of digital works on international platforms.

On the other hand, notarized documents have been a traditional method used for many years but struggle to keep pace with the rapidly evolving conditions of the digital world. While a notary operates on paper-based processes, a timestamp is securely recorded in the digital environment instantly. This presents a significant advantage, particularly for individuals conducting business on a global scale. Notary processes, which require physical documents and paperwork, are less efficient in terms of both time and cost.

Timestamps provide a modern solution to ensure the legal validity of digital content. Using a timestamp to secure your work in the digital environment offers creators not only national protection but also strong legal safeguards at the international level.