2026-09-19 19:47 UTC
@oantolin@mathstodon.xyz
An old technique to formally record something easily and at low cost is to:
Print two copies of the work,
Post them to yourself. Use recorded delivery or similar to establish the date they were posted,
When they arrive, keep both envelopes safe and unopened.
If necessary, each can be opened, when needed, to prove the contents are as described. Witnessed as needed.
Maybe we need a similar electric system that stores encrypted copies of documents and can arrest to their date of creation and storage?
Replies (3)
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@pawsplay@dice.camp 2026-09-19 22:20
@simonzerafa@infosec.exchange @oantolin@mathstodon.xyz It's better to post them to somebody that can serve as a witness.
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@oantolin@mathstodon.xyz 2026-09-20 00:08
@simonzerafa@infosec.exchange And a modern technique is to upload a preprint to arXiv. We aren't in need of ways to establish priority. What I find worrisome about that tweet is that many people will choose to never talk about work in progress, instead waiting until they have posted a paper publicly before talking about it. It's not the end of the world, but it's unpleasant.
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@me@social.jlamothe.net 2026-09-20 02:59
@simonzerafa@infosec.exchange @oantolin@mathstodon.xyz I've seen people do this with the bitcoin block chain, but, you know... bitcoin blockchain.