FAQ - Frequently asked questions

What does EsReal® do exactly?: EsReal® is a technical verification layer that makes it verifiable who a website, link or document truly originates from. Via the browser plugin, EsReal® automatically checks whether you are on an officially verified website (vDOMAIN). Via vURLs, everyone can also verify officially issued links and documents. EsReal® is not an identity service and not a login system.
What does "EsReal®" mean?: EsReal® is an international brand name referring to the concept of authenticity, objective control and reliability. "Real" stands for genuine and authentic - a concept directly recognisable in many languages.
Does EsReal® have anything to do with other companies or identity services?: No. EsReal® is fully independent and separate from identity, login or authentication services. EsReal® focuses exclusively on the technical verification of websites (vDOMAIN) and officially issued links and documents (vURL).
Is EsReal® an identity platform?: No. EsReal® does not verify persons. EsReal® exclusively verifies that a link or dataset was officially issued by a validated organisation and that the data has not been modified since publication.
Who is EsReal® intended for?: EsReal® is intended for companies, organisations and individuals who want to share information officially and verifiably via links, documents, invitations, reports and communications.
What does EsReal® explicitly not do?: EsReal® is not an identity service, not a login provider, not a payment platform, not a communication network, not a data broker and not a supervisory authority. EsReal® exclusively provides technical verification of origin.

How does the plugin work?: After installation, the EsReal® plugin works fully automatically in the background. When you visit a website, the plugin checks whether the domain has been technically verified via the EsReal® vDOMAIN system. You browse as usual, while the authenticity of the domain is automatically checked.
Does EsReal® work with all services and websites?: EsReal® supports a growing list of verified websites, portals and online services. New verified websites are added monthly. Companies can have their own domains verified via the vDOMAIN programme.
What is a vDOMAIN?: A vDOMAIN is a technically verified domain within the EsReal® platform. It means that the company behind the domain has been thoroughly checked and officially linked to that specific web address. When a user visits a website with a vDOMAIN via the EsReal® plugin, they immediately see that it is a genuine, verified website. This actively helps to prevent phishing, fake websites and deception.

What is a vURL?: A vURL is a technically verifiable link that proves which company or organisation the link originates from and that the data has not been changed since publication. Anyone can verify a vURL without an app, without installation and without an account. The link itself contains the proof.
Do all links have to go through EsReal®?: No. Use of EsReal® is entirely voluntary. Companies choose themselves whether they want to make their links, documents or communications verifiable via a vURL. EsReal® is not a gatekeeper, not a filter and not a mandatory intermediary layer.
Does EsReal® check the content of links or documents?: No. EsReal® does not read documents, does not assess content and does not moderate communications. EsReal® only validates the technical origin and integrity of data based on cryptographic proof.
What are shareable vURLs?: Shareable vURLs are officially issued links by a verified partner. They are used to securely share URLs, documents or information with customers, citizens or partners. The recipient does not need to install any software. By opening the link, anyone can immediately verify technically: who issued the link, whether the content is genuine and whether it has been changed.
Can a vURL have a limited validity period?: Yes. A vURL can optionally be given an expiry date, a limited validity period or additional terms of use. This makes it possible to use links temporarily, for example for sensitive documents, one-time communication or temporary access to information. After expiry, the technical verification remains visible, but the content can no longer be used as active.
What if someone tries to forge a vURL?: A vURL is technically secured against forgery. Every link contains cryptographic checks and - where applicable - can also be anchored on a blockchain. When someone tries to modify or copy a vURL, the verification will immediately fail and it will be clearly shown that the link is not valid.

Can EsReal® see who clicks on a vURL?: No. EsReal® does not track users, does not track click behaviour and does not record personal data of recipients. The verification happens entirely on the basis of public and technical control.
Does EsReal® have control over companies' communications?: No. Companies remain the full owners of their communications. EsReal® does not block links, does not change content and cannot withhold or force communications. The platform exclusively provides technical verification.
Does EsReal® comply with GDPR, ISO standards and legislation?: EsReal® is designed according to the principle of privacy by design and security by design. The platform only processes data that is necessary for technical verification and proof. For personal data shared via vURLs, the original issuer (partner) always remains the data controller within the meaning of GDPR. EsReal® acts solely as a technical verification and proof platform. EsReal® supports technical measures aligned with common security standards such as ISO/IEC 27001, without acting as a certification body itself.
Is EsReal® suitable for governments and large organisations?: Yes. EsReal® is designed as a scalable and independent verification platform. It can be deployed by governments, cities, utilities, healthcare institutions and large enterprises. The platform is suitable for verifying official websites, digital communications, documents, reports, certificates and public information, without citizens needing to install additional software.

Does EsReal® have an API for developers?: Yes. Every vURL has a built-in mini API as standard. By simply adding &json=true to a vURL, an application automatically receives a fully verifiable JSON response with the validated data, the checks performed, the trust score and - where applicable - the blockchain anchoring. This allows external software platforms, scanners, apps and backend systems to directly read and technically verify vURLs without additional accounts, tokens or installations. Technical documentation and examples are publicly available via EsReal® Foundation VZW (in formation).

Frequently asked questions

About EsReal®

The browser plugin and verified domains

Verifiable links and documents

Privacy, GDPR and security

µAPI & technical integration