A timestamp is a digital signature that proves that a particular file or document existed at a specific point in time.

It is similar to a notary seal or a postmark, but it is created using cryptographic techniques to ensure its integrity and non-repudiation.

Timestamps are important for legal, financial, and regulatory reasons, as they can provide evidence of the existence and authenticity of a document or transaction.

They can also help prevent disputes and fraud, as they provide a reliable way to prove the chronological order of events.