What's this all about ?
It's an experimental free service that will digitally sign any file you want to upload and give you the signature. That signature proves that the dreadtech
robot saw that exact file on the date it was uploaded.
What's the point of that ?
Possibly nothing. However it does demonstrate that an objective third party (the dreadtech robot) witnessed the existence of that file on that date. This may have some value when dealing with copyright issues.
For example, lets assume you're a musician or a writer. You create an amazing piece of art and want to make sure that no-one else takes credit for it. In the past you could put a copy of the manuscript, or a CD, into an envelope and post it to yourself with recorded delivery. The post mark would be sufficient to prove it existed at that time and, in theory, prove you own the copyright. Well, this is the same, except that you upload the file (eg a PDF or MP3) and it gets signed by our impartial robot. Technically this is better proof than an easily tampered-with envelope. Legally it's probably worthless - but we don't really know.
Are you mental ?
Not really. But encryption is fun and underused. If this site introduces a single person to the concept of the digital signature then it's done something useful.
What is a digital signature ?
In practice it works in a similar way to a normal, pen and ink, signature. However, unlike conventional signatures, digital signatures cannot be forged.
Follow some links.
What software do I need to use to test the signature
Any OpenPGP compliant software will do. However we recommend using open source software such as GNU Privacy Guard (gpg), or related products such as Gpg4win.
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