Identity is the set of unique traits and characteristics that individualize people.
Digital data in general, a photo, biometric data such as a fingerprint, or reading the iris of an eye, are technological resources used to identify a human being.
To be considered decentralized, the digital identity must operate on a blockchain validated by independent nodes, based on an open-source protocol.
Thus, the decentralized identifier (DId) allows its owner to be identified. It is a hash stored cryptographically and securely and remains immutable thanks to its distributed ledger technology (DLT) backing.
You can read more about this topic in an article I published a while ago, and that I leave at the end (1).
Now let’s look at a proposal for identity validation on Cardano, in Project Catalyst’s FUND12.
The Proposal
The proposal explains that current digital signature solutions, such as simple passwords or direct biometric reading, usually compromise the user’s security, and are not convenient to use. Thus, the developer addresses this issue and proposes to ensure robust verification while maintaining a smooth user experience.
The proposal consists of a secure electronic signature system, where users complete a KYC check and obtain verified credentials to sign documents with biometric data.
The proposal aims to improve the security and privacy of transactions and encourage the adoption of Blockchain technology. By offering an easy-to-use and secure digital signature solution, the adoption of the technology is intended to include sectors that require reliable and verifiable digital signature processes, such as the legal, healthcare, and government sectors.
The product is presented as an advanced electronic signature solution that replaces traditional logins with username and password, connecting the wallet with the decentralized identity (DId), to eliminate any doubt about the validity of the electronic signature, since it can only be authorized using biometric data (DES, DID-based advanced Electronic Signature).
The development contemplates competitive rates since it is explained that they have compared the costs with the sector standards.
This proposal is presented in partnership with Swisscom to leverage its electronic signature technology and integrate it with Cardano’s blockchain capabilities. This will allow biometric authorization to be used for signing, providing greater security and an easier user experience.
Swisscom Trust Services It is presented on its website as “…a leading provider of trust services and provides qualified electronic signatures in the legal areas of the EU and Switzerland.”
Incorporating zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP) ensures that user data remains private, sharing only necessary information.
As I mentioned, the project relies on Swisscom for the design solution parts, and IAMX as an external service provider for essential components, such as biometric verification and know-your-customer (KYC) processes.
IAMX is a managing solution for people’s digital identity. According to their Whitepaper, “The IAMX Vision is to empower everyone on Earth with the realization of their human right to have an identity. The IAMX Mission is to protect the human right of every individual to hold, control, and own their personal identity.”
The proponent presents the website (*) Docufi3d.with, as an electronic signature platform that integrates Swisscom services with electronic signatures with decentralized identifiers on the Cardano blockchain.
(*)Writer’s note: the platform does not have functionalities available as of writing this article.
The applicant clarifies that due to legal restrictions with partners, the project will not be completely open source, but some components will be attempted to be so.
This development promises the next Advanced Electronic Signature (AES) level with Cardano DId-based login, with a biometric authorization process provided by Swisscom services.
Success Metrics
The developer proposes to measure the impact on the project quantitatively and qualitatively.
Quantitative measures will be user adoption rates, the number of transactions processed, and the volume of digital signatures created. In addition, the growth in the number of third-party integrations with the platform will be monitored as an indicator of the expansion of the ecosystem.
The qualitative measure will be the opinion of users, collecting data through surveys and direct comments from users.
Transparency reports of security audits, compliance checks, and system updates will be published on the website.
External audits will be carried out periodically to verify proper funds management and compliance with budgetary limitations.
Collaboration with other blockchain projects within the Cardano ecosystem will be promoted and informed to explore integrative use cases, improving the utility and functionality of both platforms.
The Milestones
Milestone 1 —Development of the KYC Integration
The KYC process is seamlessly integrated and fully functional within the platform.
Milestone 2 —Implementation of DID and Credential System
Users can successfully receive a DID and use it to obtain credentials after completing KYC. Will be offered in did:iamx and did:prism. More DIDs will be added.
Milestone 3 —Biometric Authentication and Authorization System
Users can log in and sign documents using biometric data, ensuring high-level security.
Milestone 4 —Integration of Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP)
ZKP is implemented effectively, allowing users to sign documents while ensuring that private information remains confidential.
Milestone 5 —Platform Testing and User Feedback Collection
The platform operates smoothly across all functionalities, and user feedback indicates satisfaction with the security and usability.
Final Milestone —Official Launch and Marketing
The platform is live and accessible to the public, with initial marketing efforts underway to attract users.
The Budget
- IT development: solution with Swisscom with 3 employees, for 150 working days, 300,000 ADA
- Advertising and project management: 25,000 ADA
- Legal topics: 30,000 ADA
Total: 355,000 ADA
The Proponent
The project is headed by Patrick Rayermann, who presents it in collaboration with IAMX and Swisscom Trust Services.
Patrick Rayermann says he has extensive experience in regulatory compliance, data protection, and cybersecurity. He says he has served as a CISO and Data Protection Officer, and managed IT security and compliance at several organizations.
Patrick Rayermann argues that the collaboration with IAMX provides advanced digital identity verification technologies, which improve privacy and regulatory compliance for users, and Swisscom Trust Services’ expertise in electronic signatures, seals, and timestamps ensures that the solutions meet the EU eIDAS regulations, which reinforces the commitment to legal and operational integrity.
. . .
You can read the original proposal: E-sign solution with Swisscom and DID (decentralized identifier) on Cardano
