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SHA-256 fingerprint

A practically unique code computed from a file's exact contents, used to prove a captured page has not been altered.

A SHA-256 fingerprint (or hash) is a 64-character code calculated from the exact contents of a file. Change a single character in the file and the code changes completely.

TruthRanking computes a SHA-256 fingerprint for every page capture and screenshot at the moment it is taken, and stores it with the capture time. Later, anyone can recompute the fingerprint and confirm the file is identical to what was captured. That shows the file has not changed since capture; whether it is admissible is a question for counsel. See private evidence capture.

Related

First sourceThe earliest publication of a claim that can be found, the origin the copies trace back to.Claim attributionRecording who actually made a claim, separately from the outlet where it appeared.Republication vs. corroborationCopies of one statement are republication. Corroboration requires an independent source reaching the same fact from its own evidence.Unverified vs. falseUnverified means not yet checked or no evidence found. False (contradicted) requires linked evidence that shows the claim is wrong.

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