How CommonsDB Works
CommonsDB operates differently from a traditional digital repository. It does not store or host your actual media files. Instead, it functions as a decentralized registry where trusted Data Suppliers make authoritative declarations about their collections.
These declarations contain unique identifiers and fingerprints (ISCC codes) linked to specific rights metadata, but they do not contain the actual content. Because CommonsDB does not ingest or hold your files, these declarations must be generated locally by you, the Data Supplier, based on the source content stored on your own servers. Your digital assets never leave your infrastructure.
The declaration process follows a simple three-step logic:
- Generate Identifiers: Process digital assets (e.g., images, documents, audio, or video) locally to create unique ISCC fingerprints.
- Prepare Declarations: Pair fingerprints with existing catalog data and open licenses.
- Sign and Submit: Use your organization's Verifiable Credential to sign the record and push it to the registry.