Blockchain technology is revolutionizing various sectors, with Brazil and Argentina pioneering in implementing blockchain-based networks for new citizen identity systems. This article will delve deeper into the technical aspects of these initiatives, focusing on Buenos Aires’ QuarkID and Brazil’s b-Cadastros, and how they are enhancing the security of sensitive data, with extended insights into the zkSync Era.
QuarkID: Buenos Aires’ Blockchain Initiative:
Buenos Aires has introduced QuarkID in collaboration with blockchain digital identity company Extrimian. This service acts as a private digital wallet, offering users access to digitally verifiable versions of essential documents.
Technical Aspects of QuarkID and zkSync Era:
QuarkID utilizes the zkSync Era Layer-2 protocol, a cutting-edge technology designed to scale Ethereum while preserving its foundational values such as freedom, self-sovereignty, and decentralization. This protocol ensures that each document a person claims in their wallet belongs to them through signed transactions on the blockchain without including personal information, eliminating the need for documents to be stored in a centralized database or on-chain.
zkSync Era aims to meet the exponential demand of web3 by processing an unlimited number of transactions without a marginal impact on security or cost, a property referred to as hyperscalability. It is designed to inherit 100% of Ethereum’s security, making it a highly secure Layer-2 scaling solution. Over 200+ projects, including Chainlink, SushiSwap, Uniswap, Aave, Argent, 1inch, Gnosis, and Curve, have registered their interest to deploy on zkSync Era.
Brazil’s National Blockchain ID: b-Cadastros:
Brazil is developing a network called b-Cadastros to support the Federal Revenue Service’s shared registry. This network will centralize the country’s civil identification system.
Technical Aspects of b-Cadastros:
b-Cadastros, developed by Brazil’s state-owned IT services corporation, the Federal Data Processing Service (Serpro), uses blockchain technology to provide an additional layer of security to Brazil’s existing paper ID cards, centralizing processes and reducing fraud and illegal activities.
b-Cadastros is built upon Hyperledger Fabric, a platform designed for authorized blockchain networks, established by organizations intending to form a consortium. This means participation in a blockchain based on Hyperledger Fabric is by invitation, ensuring a secure and regulated environment for the entities involved. This technology enables a high degree of confidentiality, resilience, flexibility, and scalability, making it a suitable choice for developing secure and efficient solutions in identity verification and management.
Conclusion:
The implementation of blockchain technology in citizen ID rollouts by Brazil and Argentina is groundbreaking. It not only enhances the security of sensitive data but also provides a modern, efficient, and reliable solution for identity verification. The initiatives are pivotal in fostering trust and transparency in government processes, reducing the risk of identity theft and fraud.
Source:
Biometric Update: Brazil and Argentina turn to blockchain for citizen ID rollouts zkSync: Scaling the Ethos and technology of Ethereum
