Shutter MCP
A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that provides timelock encryption capabilities using the Shutter Network. This server allows users to encrypt messages that can only be decrypted after a specified future time, enabling trustless time-delayed communications.
Features
Timelock Encryption: Encrypt messages that unlock at future timestamps
Natural Language Time Parsing: Use expressions like "3 months from now"
Unix Timestamp Support: Direct timestamp input for precise timing
Claude Web, VS Code MCP Support
Comprehensive Error Handling: User-friendly error messages and guidance
Production Ready: Docker support, health checks, and monitoring
Important Notice
ALPHA SOFTWARE: This is experimental software using the Shutter Network testnet deployment (Gnosis Chiado). Do not use for production or sensitive data. The encryption implementation is for demonstration purposes only.
Current Limitations:
Demo encryption algorithm (not production-grade Shutter encryption)
Testnet deployment (Chiado testnet only)
No data persistence guarantees
API may change without notice
Live Deployment
Server URL: https://shutter-mcp-b76e270d48c5.herokuapp.com/ Health Check: https://shutter-mcp-b76e270d48c5.herokuapp.com/health MCP Endpoint: https://shutter-mcp-b76e270d48c5.herokuapp.com/mcp
Quick Start
Claude Web Integration
Open Claude Web Settings
Visit claude.ai/settings
Navigate to "Integrations" section
Add Custom Integration
Click "Add custom integration"
Enter URL:
https://shutter-mcp-b76e270d48c5.herokuapp.com/mcp
Click "Add"
Test the Integration
Start a new conversation
Try: "Encrypt this message to unlock in 3 months: Hello future!"
Or: "Explain how timelock encryption works"
VS Code MCP Integration
Install MCP Extension
Open VS Code
Install the "Model Context Protocol" extension
Or install from marketplace:
ms-vscode.vscode-mcp
Configure MCP Server
Open VS Code settings (Ctrl+,)
Search for "MCP"
Add server configuration:
{ "mcp.servers": { "shutter-timelock": { "url": "https://shutter-mcp-b76e270d48c5.herokuapp.com/mcp", "name": "Shutter Timelock Encryption" } } }
Test the Integration
Open command palette (Ctrl+Shift+P)
Type "MCP: Call Tool"
Select "timelock_encrypt" and provide parameters
Local Development Setup
If you want to run the server locally for development:
Prerequisites
Python 3.11 or higher
pip (Python package manager)
Installation
Clone or download this repository
git clone <your-repo-url> cd shutter-mcp-serverRun the deployment script
./scripts/deploy.shStart the server
./scripts/start.sh
The server will be available at http://localhost:5002
with the MCP endpoint at http://localhost:5002/mcp
.
Local Integration Setup
For local development, update your configurations to use:
Claude Web:
http://localhost:5002/mcp
VS Code:
http://localhost:5002/mcp
Docker Deployment
Testing Examples
Claude Web Test Commands:
VS Code Test Commands:
Use MCP tools through the command palette
Test timelock encryption with future timestamps
Verify health endpoint responses
Available Tools
timelock_encrypt(message, unlock_time)
Encrypt a message with timelock encryption using Shutter Network.
Parameters:
message
(string): The text message to encryptunlock_time
(string): When the message can be decryptedNatural language: "3 months from now", "1 year from now"
Unix timestamp: "1721905313"
Absolute date: "2024-12-25", "January 15, 2025"
Example:
check_decryption_status(identity)
Check if a timelock encrypted message is ready for decryption.
Parameters:
identity
(string): The identity returned fromtimelock_encrypt
decrypt_timelock_message(identity, encrypted_data)
Decrypt a timelock encrypted message if the timelock has expired.
Parameters:
identity
(string): The identity returned fromtimelock_encrypt
encrypted_data
(string): The encrypted data returned fromtimelock_encrypt
get_unix_timestamp(time_expression)
Convert time expressions to Unix timestamps.
Parameters:
time_expression
(string): Time to convert (default: "now")
explain_timelock_encryption()
Get comprehensive explanation of timelock encryption and usage.
How Timelock Encryption Works
Timelock encryption allows you to encrypt a message that can only be decrypted after a specific time. The Shutter Network uses:
Threshold Cryptography: Distributed key generation and management
Decentralized Keypers: Network of nodes that collectively manage decryption keys
Time-based Release: Keys are only released after the specified timestamp
Trustless Operation: No single party can decrypt messages early
Use Cases
Sealed Bid Auctions: Hide bids until auction ends
Time-delayed Announcements: Schedule future reveals
Dead Man's Switch: Messages that unlock if you don't check in
Contest Reveals: Hide answers until contest ends
Future Communications: Send messages to your future self
Configuration
Environment Variables
PORT
: Server port (default: 5002)SHUTTER_API_BASE
: Shutter API endpoint (default: Chiado testnet)SHUTTER_REGISTRY_ADDRESS
: Registry contract address
Custom Configuration
Edit src/server.py
to modify:
API endpoints
Timeout values
Error handling behavior
Additional tools
Testing
Run the example script to test functionality:
Health check endpoint:
Local testing:
Project Structure
Security Considerations
IMPORTANT: This is alpha software with significant limitations:
Demo Implementation: Current encryption is for demonstration purposes only
Testnet Only: Uses Chiado testnet - not suitable for production data
No Production Encryption: Does not implement full Shutter encryption algorithms yet
Experimental Status: API and functionality may change without notice
No Data Guarantees: No persistence or availability guarantees
For Production Use:
Implement proper Shutter encryption algorithms
Use mainnet deployment when available
Add authentication and access controls
Implement proper key management
Use HTTPS in production deployments
Troubleshooting
Server Won't Start
Check Python version (3.11+ required)
Verify all dependencies are installed:
pip install -r requirements.txt
Check port availability:
lsof -i :5002
(Linux/Mac) ornetstat -an | findstr :5002
(Windows)
Claude Integration Issues
Ensure server is accessible from the internet
Verify MCP endpoint returns proper responses:
curl https://shutter-mcp-b76e270d48c5.herokuapp.com/mcp
Check CORS configuration for cross-origin requests
VS Code Integration Issues
Verify MCP extension is installed and enabled
Check server configuration in VS Code settings
Use local server for development:
http://localhost:5002/mcp
Shutter API Errors
Verify internet connectivity
Check Shutter Network status
Ensure timestamps are in the future
Development
Adding New Tools
Define the tool function with
@mcp.tool()
decoratorAdd comprehensive docstring with parameter descriptions
Include proper error handling and user guidance
Test with the example script
Modifying Time Parsing
Edit the parse_time_expression
method in the ShutterTimelock
class to support additional time formats.
Contributing
Fork the repository
Create a feature branch
Make your changes
Add tests and documentation
Submit a pull request
License
MIT License - see LICENSE file for details.
Acknowledgments
Shutter Network for timelock encryption infrastructure
Model Context Protocol for the integration framework
FastAPI for the web framework
Support
Issues: Open a GitHub issue
Documentation: See
docs/
directoryExamples: Check
examples/
directory
Version: 2.1.0
Last Updated: August 2025
Compatibility: Claude Web, VS Code MCP, MCP Protocol 2024-11-05
This server cannot be installed
hybrid server
The server is able to function both locally and remotely, depending on the configuration or use case.
Enables timelock encryption using the Shutter Network, allowing users to encrypt messages that can only be decrypted after a specified future time. Supports natural language time parsing and provides trustless time-delayed communications.
Related MCP Servers
- -securityFlicense-qualityA secure Model Context Protocol server that manages time-based operations using timing attack protection and timelock encryption, allowing for timed interval management and secure data storage.Last updated -3
- AsecurityAlicenseAqualityThe server provides secure OTP (One-Time Password) generation. Supports TOTP (Time-based) and HOTP (HMAC-based) algorithmsLast updated -54MIT License
- AsecurityAlicenseAqualityGives large language models time awareness capabilities through various time-related functions including current time retrieval, timezone conversion, and relative time calculations.Last updated -63,058MIT License
- AsecurityAlicenseAqualityProvides comprehensive time manipulation capabilities including timezone conversions, date arithmetic, business day calculations, duration calculations, and recurring event handling. Enables natural language time queries with high performance and intelligent caching.Last updated -111MIT License