inclusion proof
The short list of hashes that lets anyone recompute a Merkle tree's root from one leaf, proving that the leaf is in the log without downloading the whole log. If the recomputed root matches the signed tree head, the record was logged.
What inclusion proof does not show
It proves presence, not correctness of the record's content.
Where inclusion proof comes up on this site
- How an AI agent should verify a website before acting on itAn inclusion proof shows the answer was in the log; a signed tree head commits to the whole log, so the publisher cannot quietly show different people different answers.
Terms this definition uses
Merkle tree · signed tree head
Related terms in Proof and provenance
Showing a record existed at a date without asking anyone to trust us.
transparency log · signed tree head · log witness · split-view attack · cite-as link · as-of answer · citation anchor · canonical origin · signed absence · threshold verdict · OpenTimestamps · anchoring · Content hash · Manifest tampering · C2PA · CAWG training and data mining assertion · content-addressed storage · Merkle tree · SHA-256 · daily seal · byline · dateline · trust center
Questions about inclusion proof
What is inclusion proof?
The short list of hashes that lets anyone recompute a Merkle tree's root from one leaf, proving that the leaf is in the log without downloading the whole log. If the recomputed root matches the signed tree head, the record was logged.
What does inclusion proof not show or guarantee?
The short list of hashes that lets anyone recompute a Merkle tree's root from one leaf, proving that the leaf is in the log without downloading the whole log. It proves presence, not correctness of the record's content.
Which area of the glossary does inclusion proof belong to?
Proof and provenance: Showing a record existed at a date without asking anyone to trust us.
← signed tree head · log witness →
See it in the full glossary · 731 terms across 19 areas.