# Blockchain-based Authentication of Press Releases

> The concept of blockchain-based authentication of press releases aims to ensure the credibility of PR content through immutable digital signatures. Without verified implementation data, this use case remains in the conceptual stage without proven results. The theoretical benefits include increased transparency and trust-building in communication between companies and media.

**Sector:** Tertiary sector · **Industry:** PR and marketing agencies · **Organisation:** EDF (mit KeeeX); Wiztrust · **Maturity level:** Concept

Canonical URL: https://www.sapientblock.com/en/use-cases/edf-pressemitteilungen-echtheit-pruefen

## Documentation status

- **Project status:** Concept
- **Evidence:** Evidence medium
- **Editorial review:** Ufuk Avci, 15 April 2026

## Description

Blockchain-secured press releases address a growing problem: fake corporate communications can manipulate stock prices and destroy corporate reputation.

The problem: In the digital age, anyone can create and send a professional-looking press release. Several cases of fake PR releases have influenced stock market prices (pump-and-dump fraud). Blockchain solution: The PR department anchors each press release with a cryptographic hash on-chain before publication; each PR includes a QR code leading to blockchain verification; journalists check by scanning: Does the hash match? Is the release signed by the official company key? Timing: The blockchain timestamp also proves when the release was published — relevant for insider trading investigations.

## Benefits

- Companies could differentiate themselves from competitors through demonstrably authentic communication.
- Theoretical increase in the credibility of corporate information through immutable blockchain entries.
- Potential reduction of disinformation and fake press releases in the media sector.
- Possible automation of authentication processes through smart contract technology.
- PR professionals could benefit from automated verification processes and reduced manual checks.

## Challenges

- Companies would need to make significant investments in new technologies and training without proven return on investment.
- The lack of industry-wide standardisation and acceptance represents the biggest hurdle for successful implementation.
- Integration into existing content management systems and media workflows requires significant technical and organisational adjustments.
- Employees require extensive training in blockchain technologies and must learn more complex workflows.

## Technology foundation

A public blockchain like Ethereum would theoretically act as a decentralised database where each press release is assigned an immutable digital fingerprint. Smart contracts could automatically verify the authenticity and origin of content without the need for a central authority.

## Sources

- [EDF: Trials a certification process for its press releases to guarantee their authenticity — digitale Signatur, Blockchain-Verankerung, Prüfseite für Journalisten (Technologie: KeeeX)](https://www.edf.fr/en/the-edf-group/dedicated-sections/journalists/all-press-releases/edf-trials-a-certification-process-for-its-press-releases-to-guarantee-their-authenticity)
- [Wiztrust: How blockchain can improve security and transparency in PR communications — SHA-256-Hash, Zeitstempel on-chain, öffentlicher Checker](https://blog.wiztrust.com/en/how-blockchain-can-improve-security-and-transparency-in-pr-communications)