Different settings. The same question: does the evidence still match?
Six illustrative situations. Open an example to see what a check can establish.
A dataset is shared with a paper. Later, someone wants to work from the same version.
Compare the file with a fingerprint recorded at publication. Matching bytes give the next researcher the same starting point.
A document passes between several people. Which version arrived?
Compare the received document with a trusted reference fingerprint for the version that was shared.
A report is reviewed. A later copy needs to be compared with that earlier record.
Check the later file against the reference recorded at review. A change in bytes produces a different fingerprint.
A study record is revised. The distinction between an earlier version and a later one matters.
Compare recorded versions while keeping the document itself on the device used for the check.
An image circulates. Someone wants to compare their copy with a published reference.
A fingerprint can establish whether the exact image file matches that reference.
An AI exchange is recorded. Later review depends on knowing which inputs and outputs were retained.
Compare the retained record with its recorded fingerprint, or test a signature against the exact recorded bytes.