Listening field note
What does a transcript source fingerprint prove?
A SHA-256 digest over the normalized imported segment record can reveal that the text, speaker labels, time values, or ordering changed, but it does not prove authorship, custody, accuracy, identity, consent, or that the media matches.
Define the hashed structure
Hash the fields the passage anchors actually depend on, using deterministic key ordering and stable segment order. Write the decision in plain language and retain the original source separately so the index can be audited against something outside the browser project.
Record the digest with passages and editions
A passage captured under one fingerprint should become visibly stale when a different source revision replaces it. Review the result as a retrieval aid rather than a conclusion. Human-authored fields must remain visibly distinct from exact source-derived text.
Do not call it authentication
Anyone able to modify the project can calculate a new digest. Authentication and chain of custody require separate controls. Carry the limitation into the frozen edition and passive handoff so a recipient can understand what was checked, what was not checked, and what remains their responsibility.