nodok

nodok is a lightweight, cross-platform data container and protocol designed for secure notarization, versioning, and provenance of digital documents. It defines a compact envelope that bundles metadata, payloads, and cryptographic proofs, enabling independent verification of authenticity and history without relying on a single vendor.

Developed in the early 2010s by a consortium of researchers and practitioners, nodok evolved from prototype standards for document integrity into a formal specification with multiple implementations. The project emphasizes portability and long-term accessibility, with reference implementations in several languages and formats.

Nodok uses a minimal header that includes a nodok-id, version, and timestamps; the payload may contain data or pointers to external data. It supports digital signatures (RSA and elliptic-curve schemes) and a Merkle-tree based integrity root. Time-stamping integration and optional notarization services are supported to anchor the document in a trusted timeline. The format is designed to be human-readable in its metadata and compact in binary serializations such as CBOR or JSON.

Common use cases include legal filings, academic submissions, media rights holders, and supply chain provenance. Nodok aims to provide a portable basis for verification across platforms and borders, with interoperability via standard metadata schemas and certified validators.

While nodok has been praised for clarity and interoperability, its adoption remains uneven across industries. Critics note potential risks in relying on third-party notarization services and the need for ongoing cryptographic agility to address evolving threats.

See also

- Digital signatures

- Document provenance

- Cryptographic hash and Merkle tree

- Notarization standards