Timestamp

Electronic proof that certain data existed at a specific point in time. In signing and compliance contexts, a timestamp binds the document's hash to a moment in time, making it possible to prove when a document was signed or recorded. eIDAS regulates qualified electronic timestamps, which are issued by approved trust service providers and enjoy a presumption of accuracy. Reliable timestamps also matter in audit logs, for example to document that a data breach was notified within 72 hours.