Process

Decentralized Digital Notary Service Workflow:

The workflow of the Decentralized Digital Notary Service involves several key steps that enable users to notarize and verify documents securely using the Stellar blockchain and Soroban smart contracts. Below is a detailed description of each step in the process:

1. Document Selection:
   • The user begins by selecting the document they wish to notarize or verify through the frontend application. This could be any digital file requiring proof of authenticity and timestamping.
2. Local Document Hashing:
   • Hashing Algorithm: The frontend application uses the SHA-256 cryptographic hashing algorithm to generate a unique hash of the selected document.
   • Purpose of Hashing: This hash acts as a digital fingerprint of the document. Even a minor change in the document content would result in a completely different hash, ensuring the integrity of the notarization process.
   • Privacy Assurance: Since only the hash is used, the actual content of the document remains private and is not uploaded or stored on the blockchain.
3. User Authentication:
   • Stellar Address: The user provides their Stellar blockchain address, which serves as their unique identifier on the network.
   • Wallet Connection: If required, the user connects their Stellar wallet to the application to facilitate interaction with the smart contract.
4. Notarization Request Submission:
   • Data Packaging: The frontend application packages the document hash along with the user’s Stellar address.
   • Smart Contract Invocation: It then sends a transaction to invoke the notarize function of the Soroban smart contract on the Stellar blockchain.
5. Smart Contract Execution for Notarization:
   • Unique Key Creation: The smart contract creates a unique key by combining the user’s Stellar address and the document hash.
   • Storage of Proof: It stores this key along with the current blockchain timestamp in its persistent storage.
   • Immutable Record: This action creates an immutable record on the blockchain, providing proof that the document existed in its current form at a specific point in time.
6. Confirmation of Notarization:
   • Transaction Receipt: The blockchain processes the transaction and provides a receipt containing details such as the transaction ID and timestamp.
   • User Notification: The frontend application retrieves this information and displays a confirmation to the user, serving as proof of successful notarization.
7. Verification Request (If Applicable):
   • Document Selection for Verification: To verify a document, a user selects the document in question through the frontend application.
   • Hash Generation: The application generates the SHA-256 hash of the document locally.
   • Data Submission: It submits the document hash and the relevant Stellar address to the smart contract by invoking the verify function.
8. Smart Contract Execution for Verification:
   • Existence Check: The smart contract checks its storage to see if the unique key (user address and document hash) exists.
   • Verification Result: It determines whether the document has been previously notarized and retrieves the associated timestamp if available.
9. Display of Verification Results:
   • Positive Verification: If the document hash exists in the storage, the application informs the user that the document was notarized, providing the timestamp and other relevant details.
   • Negative Verification: If the hash is not found, the user is informed that there is no record of notarization for the document on the blockchain.
   • User Interface: The frontend presents this information in a user-friendly manner, possibly with options to download or share the verification proof.
10. Optional IPFS Integration:
    • Decentralized Storage (Optional): Users may choose to upload their documents to IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) for decentralized storage.
    • IPFS Hash Linking: The IPFS hash can be linked with the blockchain record, allowing retrieval of the document if needed.
    • Enhanced Decentralization: This step further decentralizes the storage aspect but is optional to accommodate privacy preferences.
11. Security and Privacy Measures:
    • Data Encryption: All data transmitted between the user’s device and the blockchain network is encrypted to prevent interception or tampering.
    • Anonymity: Since only the hash and the user’s blockchain address are recorded, users maintain a level of anonymity.
    • No Sensitive Data on Blockchain: The actual document content is never uploaded to the blockchain, mitigating risks associated with data breaches.
12. User Interface Features:
    • Dashboard Access: Users have access to a dashboard where they can view all their notarized documents and verification statuses.
    • Transaction History: The application may provide a history of all transactions related to notarization and verification.
    • Support and Assistance: Users can access help resources or contact support for any issues encountered during the process.

Summary of the Workflow:

• Initiation: User selects a document and chooses to either notarize or verify it.
• Hashing: The document is hashed locally using SHA-256 to create a unique identifier.
• Interaction with Blockchain:
  • For notarization, the hash and user address are sent to the smart contract’s notarize function.
  • For verification, the hash and user address are sent to the verify function.
• Smart Contract Processing:
  • Notarization stores the hash and timestamp on the blockchain.
  • Verification checks for the existence of the hash and retrieves the timestamp if available.
• Results Delivery: The application presents the notarization or verification results to the user, providing necessary proof and details.
• Security: Throughout the process, security and privacy are maintained by encrypting communications and avoiding storage of actual document content on the blockchain.

Key Points to Note:

• Decentralization: The entire process eliminates the need for centralized authorities, relying instead on the transparency and immutability of the blockchain.
• Immutable Records: Once a document hash is stored on the blockchain, it cannot be altered or deleted, ensuring a permanent record.
• Global Accessibility: Users anywhere in the world can access the service without geographical limitations.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Utilizing the Stellar blockchain keeps transaction costs low, making the service affordable.

Use Cases:

• Legal Documents: Contracts, agreements, and wills can be notarized to prove their existence at a certain date.
• Intellectual Property: Creators can notarize their works to establish authorship and creation date.
• Academic Credentials: Certificates and transcripts can be verified for authenticity.
• Financial Records: Important financial documents can be securely notarized for auditing purposes.

The Decentralized Digital Notary Service provides a secure, efficient, and user-friendly way to notarize and verify documents, leveraging the power of blockchain technology to bring trust and transparency to the process.