Definition ∞ Cryptographic receipts are digitally signed records confirming the occurrence of a specific transaction or event. These receipts utilize cryptographic techniques to ensure their authenticity, integrity, and immutability. They provide verifiable proof of an action, such as a payment or data exchange, without necessarily revealing all transaction details. Such receipts are crucial for auditing, non-repudiation, and building trust in digital systems.
Context ∞ Cryptographic receipts are fundamental to the operation of many blockchain protocols and decentralized applications, providing a verifiable trail of activity. Their utility extends to secure data transfers and verifiable credential systems, attracting attention from various industries beyond traditional finance. Ongoing innovation focuses on enhancing their privacy features and cross-platform compatibility.