> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.timelockdata.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# TimeLockData API

> Provable Integrity Infrastructure. Turn digital events into independently verifiable facts through cryptographic hashing, public blockchain anchoring, and eIDAS qualified timestamps issued by a qualified third-party.

## Provable Integrity Infrastructure

TimeLockData is an API-first Provable Integrity Infrastructure that converts digital events into independently verifiable facts. It proves that **specific data existed in a specific state at a specific time** through cryptographic hashing, public blockchain anchoring, and eIDAS qualified timestamps issued by a qualified third-party.

Verification is possible **without trusting TimeLockData** -- records remain independently verifiable even if the company ceases operations.

## Key Features

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Cryptographic Hashing" icon="fingerprint">
    SHA-256 hashing ensures data integrity at the source
  </Card>

  <Card title="Blockchain Anchoring" icon="link">
    Public blockchain anchoring provides immutable, tamper-proof records
  </Card>

  <Card title="eIDAS Qualified Timestamps" icon="clock">
    Legally binding timestamps issued by a qualified third-party, compliant with EU eIDAS regulation
  </Card>

  <Card title="Independent Verification" icon="magnifying-glass">
    Anyone can verify data integrity without authentication or vendor dependency
  </Card>

  <Card title="REST API" icon="code">
    Simple API-first integration into any system or workflow
  </Card>

  <Card title="Verification Certificates" icon="certificate">
    Downloadable proof certificates for audits and compliance
  </Card>

  <Card title="AI Act Compliance" icon="robot">
    Article 12 logging compliance for AI platforms
  </Card>

  <Card title="No Vendor Lock-in" icon="lock-open">
    Open standards ensure your proofs outlive any single provider
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Use Cases

TimeLockData serves organizations across industries that need provable data integrity:

* **Financial Services** -- Audit trails for transactions, regulatory compliance records
* **Insurance** -- Claims documentation, policy change tracking
* **Logistics & Supply Chain** -- Chain of custody, delivery confirmations, provenance tracking
* **Mobility & Fleet Management** -- Vehicle event logs, maintenance records
* **Media & Journalism** -- Content authentication, source verification
* **Construction & Infrastructure** -- Inspection records, certification tracking
* **AI Platforms** -- AI Act Article 12 compliance, decision logging
* **Healthcare** -- Patient record integrity, clinical trial documentation

## Core Concepts

### Categories & Subcategories

Organize your evidences hierarchically. Categories group related records (e.g., "Invoices", "Contracts"), and subcategories provide finer classification (e.g., "Q1 2025", "Supplier Agreements").

### Evidences

The core entity. Each evidence record represents a tracked digital event with metadata, a history of changes, and attached files. Every change is anchored on the blockchain with a qualified timestamp issued by a qualified third-party.

### Files

Attach documents, images, or any file to categories, subcategories, or evidences. Files are stored securely and can optionally be signed with C2PA content credentials.

### Verification

Every evidence and file gets a Merkle proof and TSA timestamp. Anyone can independently verify the integrity and existence of data without authentication.

## API Structure

```
Categories
├── Subcategories
│   └── Evidences
│       ├── Files
│       └── Blockchain Events (create, update, transfer)
└── Files

Verification (public, no auth required)
├── Merkle Proofs
├── Evidence Verification
└── TSA Timestamps
```

## Authentication

All API requests require an API Key passed in the `X-API-Key` header:

```http theme={null}
X-API-Key: your_api_key_here
```

## Quick Start

<Steps>
  <Step title="Get API Access">
    Obtain your API key from the [TimeLockData Dashboard](https://app.timelockdata.com)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create a Category">
    Organize your evidence records into categories
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create an Evidence">
    Register a digital event with metadata
  </Step>

  <Step title="Attach Files">
    Upload documents and supporting files
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify">
    Use public Merkle endpoints to verify data integrity
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Quick Start Guide" icon="rocket" href="/quickstart">
    Make your first API call in minutes
  </Card>

  <Card title="Authentication" icon="shield-halved" href="/authentication">
    Set up your API key
  </Card>

  <Card title="API Reference" icon="book-open" href="/api-reference/overview">
    Explore all available endpoints
  </Card>

  <Card title="Verification" icon="circle-check" href="/api-reference/merkle/verify-evidence">
    Verify data integrity with blockchain proofs
  </Card>
</CardGroup>