Terms of Service

Last updated: 1 March 2026

1. Service Overview

ETcH is a blockchain timestamping service operated by Christophe Bouriel (sole trader, SIRET 101 490 506 00017), accessible at etchproof.eu.

The service enables any user to create cryptographic proof of a document's existence at a specific point in time, by anchoring its SHA-256 hash on the Ethereum network. The user receives a complete proof artefact (ZIP archive) containing the original file, anchoring metadata, a confirmation log and a human-readable certificate.

2. What the Service Guarantees — and What It Does Not

What ETcH guarantees

  • The SHA-256 hash of your document is permanently and immutably anchored on the public Ethereum network.
  • The anchoring transaction is timestamped by the Ethereum network, a decentralised network independent of ETcH.
  • The ZIP archive delivered constitutes a self-contained proof artefact, independently verifiable by any third party without recourse to ETcH.
  • Your original file never leaves your browser. Only its cryptographic fingerprint is transmitted to the server.

What ETcH does not guarantee

  • ETcH does not constitute a title of intellectual property. The service proves that a document existed in this form at this date in your possession — it does not prove that you are the original author, nor does it replace a registration with a national intellectual property office or any other formal protection procedure.
  • Admissibility before a court is not guaranteed in all jurisdictions. The probative value of blockchain evidence depends on applicable law, the circumstances of the dispute, and the court's sovereign assessment.
  • ETcH is not a legal advice service. In the event of a dispute, consult a lawyer.

3. User Responsibilities

By using the service, the user declares and warrants that they:

  • Hold the rights to the anchored document, or have the necessary authorisation to proceed with this anchoring.
  • Will not use the service to anchor documents that infringe third-party rights (copyright, personal data, trade secrets, etc.).
  • Will retain the ZIP archive provided by ETcH as the primary proof record. If this archive is lost, the blockchain proof remains accessible on Ethereum, but the user will no longer have the original file associated with the hash.

ETcH cannot be held liable for fraudulent use of the service, including the anchoring of documents belonging to a third party.

4. Pricing and Payment

The service is charged at €2.00 (VAT incl.) per anchoring at the time of subscription.

Payment is processed by Stripe, a third-party secure payment provider. ETcH does not store any payment card data.

The invoice issued by ETcH includes the anchoring reference (SHA-256 hash) in accordance with legal obligations.

5. Refund Policy

If you experience a problem during confirmation (email not received, expired link), use the "Resend confirmation link" button available on the confirmation page, or contact .contact@etchproof.eu

Once the hash has been anchored on Ethereum, the transaction is irreversible by nature. No refund can be granted, as the operation has been permanently executed.

In the event of a verified technical issue (accidental double payment, service failure), contact — each situation will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.contact@etchproof.eu

6. Service Availability

ETcH endeavours to keep the service available at all times. Temporary interruptions may occur for maintenance, updates, or due to the state of the Ethereum network.

In the event of a temporary ETcH service outage, proofs already anchored on Ethereum remain accessible and independently verifiable via any public Ethereum explorer (e.g. Etherscan).

7. Limitation of Liability

To the extent permitted by applicable law, ETcH's liability is limited to the amount paid for the transaction concerned. ETcH shall not be liable for indirect damages, data loss, commercial losses, or consequential harm.

8. Amendments

ETcH reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time. Users are encouraged to check them regularly. The version in force is the one published on the site at the time of use.

9. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by French law. In the event of a dispute, and in the absence of an amicable resolution, French courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

For any enquiry: contact@etchproof.eu