VIP-FRAMEWORK-001
Architectural & Normative Framework of the VeriSeal Integrity Protocol
1. Scope
This document defines the architectural structure, normative layering, and dependency model of the VeriSeal Integrity Protocol (VIP).
It establishes the structural logic governing all normative standards within the VIP Suite.
2. Terminology
For the purposes of this document:
- Integrity Proof: A cryptographic record derived from canonicalized data.
- Ledger Entry: An append-only cryptographic record representing a proof event.
- Verification Event: A deterministic recomputation validating integrity.
- Anchoring Mechanism: A timestamping or external reference binding a proof to a temporal anchor.
Normative language may progressively adopt:
- MUST
- SHOULD
- MAY
Future revisions may formalize strict RFC-style language.
3. Architectural Layers
The VIP architecture consists of five functional layers.
3.1 Layer 1 — Integrity Layer
Defined in VIP-STD-001.
Responsibilities:
- Canonicalization of input data
- SHA-256 hashing
- Deterministic integrity fingerprint generation
This layer ensures data immutability at generation time.
3.2 Layer 2 — Ledger Layer
Defined in VIP-STD-002.
Responsibilities:
- Append-only proof recording
- Hash chaining logic
- Ledger entry structure
- Structural immutability
This layer ensures proof persistence integrity.
3.3 Layer 3 — Verification Layer
Defined in VIP-STD-003.
Responsibilities:
- Deterministic recomputation
- Public verification capability
- Reproducible validation procedure
- Integrity status determination
This layer ensures independent verifiability.
3.4 Layer 4 — Anchoring & Timestamp Layer
Defined in VIP-STD-004.
Responsibilities:
- Timestamp integration
- External anchoring compatibility
- Proof-of-time guarantees
- Temporal binding reproducibility
This layer ensures temporal determinism.
3.5 Layer 5 — Security & Governance Layer
Defined across:
- VIP-THREAT-001
- VIP-STF-005
- VIP-REG-006
Responsibilities:
- Threat modeling
- Risk boundary definition
- Governance articulation
- Regulatory alignment profiles
This layer ensures institutional robustness.
4. Dependency Model
Layer dependency is strictly hierarchical:
Integrity → Ledger → Verification → Anchoring → Governance
No lower layer depends on higher-layer constructs.
This prevents circular dependency and preserves modular verification.
5. Conformance Logic
A system claiming compliance with the VeriSeal Integrity Protocol MUST:
- Implement canonicalization as defined in VIP-STD-001
- Maintain append-only ledger integrity per VIP-STD-002
- Support deterministic verification per VIP-STD-003
- Ensure reproducible timestamp anchoring per VIP-STD-004
Security annexes define extended compliance requirements.
6. Interoperability Model
The VIP Framework is:
- Blockchain-independent
- Storage-neutral
- Jurisdiction-neutral
- Application-agnostic
It defines integrity logic, not application behavior.
7. Versioning Discipline
The Framework follows:
- Incremental minor revisions for clarification
- Major revision only for structural changes
- Backward-compatible verification guarantees
Breaking changes require formal version increment.
8. Risk Boundaries
The Framework does not:
- Guarantee legal admissibility
- Guarantee identity verification
- Guarantee data authenticity beyond integrity
It guarantees deterministic integrity verification within defined cryptographic assumptions.
Threat assumptions are detailed in VIP-THREAT-001.
9. Positioning
VIP-FRAMEWORK-001 provides the architectural spine of the VeriSeal Integrity Protocol Suite.
It bridges:
- Strategic Charter (VIP-SUITE-000)
- Normative Standards (VIP-STD series)
- Security & Governance Annexes
It serves as the structural backbone of the standardization candidate.
10. Conclusion
This Framework defines the deterministic architectural model underpinning the VeriSeal Integrity Protocol.
It formalizes the structural dependencies required for institutional-grade digital integrity.
All normative standards operate under this architectural discipline.