Introduction
When it comes to certifying digital evidence, two options stand out: the traditional notarial certificate and modern blockchain certification. In this article, we provide a detailed comparison to help you choose the best option.
Notarial Certificate: the traditional method
A notarial certificate is a public instrument drawn up by a notary that attests to the existence and content of a digital fact. It is widely accepted in courts, but has some limitations:
- Cost: $60 to $300 per certificate, depending on complexity
- Time: Need to schedule a visit to the notary office, process can take days
- Scalability: Each piece of evidence requires a separate certificate
- Availability: Limited to business hours
Blockchain Certification: the modern alternative
Blockchain certification offers a digital and automated approach:
- Cost: Starting at $2 per certification
- Time: Instant certification, 24/7
- Scalability: Multiple pieces of evidence can be certified simultaneously
- Availability: Available anytime, anywhere
Direct comparison
| Criteria | Notarial Certificate | Blockchain |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost | $100+ | $2 |
| Time | 1-5 days | Instant |
| Legal validity | Yes | Yes |
| Immutability | Depends on notary | Guaranteed by cryptography |
| Accessibility | Business hours | 24/7 |
Conclusion
Both methods have legal validity, but blockchain certification offers a significantly superior cost-benefit ratio, especially for professionals dealing with large volumes of digital evidence.