In a bold move to enhance digital privacy, Parity Technologies is unveiling a groundbreaking Web3 individuality tool known as “Proof-of-Ink.” This innovation will require users to acquire a distinct, algorithmically generated tattoo as proof of their digital identity. The launch of this Web3 solution, a crucial step towards widespread Web3 adoption, is anticipated in late 2024.
Gavin Wood, co-founder of Ethereum, Polkadot, and Kusama, revealed details about Proof-of-Ink during his keynote at the Web3 Summit in Berlin. He stated:
“We plan to introduce the initial baseline palette and launch the app by the end of this year. Our goal is to roll out the remaining two mechanisms next year.”
Although Wood hinted at developing additional digital identity solutions, he did not specify their features.
For Web3 technologies to achieve mainstream acceptance, privacy and decentralization are key. Wood envisions Web3 as a decentralized, user-centric internet that serves as a public good. Here’s what we know about Proof-of-Ink so far:
The Proof-of-Ink system will require tattoos with specific, algorithmically generated designs to enhance privacy. According to Wood:
“The tattoo placement will be uniform across users. This approach helps maintain individuality and privacy through a unique, on-chain design, validated by a trustless entity.”
The blockchain will generate these unique designs through random numbers, ensuring each tattoo is distinct. Users must spend a small amount of Polkadot (DOT) tokens or potential community vouchers before the application launches. This measure aims to prevent spam and ensure genuine participation.
Additionally, users must upload a video documenting the last three minutes of the tattooing process as proof of their Web3 individuality. Wood emphasized that privacy is essential for avoiding financial censorship:
“Our goal is to have proof that doesn’t link directly to our identity but confirms our involvement.”
Wood cited Edward Snowden’s advocacy for financial privacy and referenced past instances of financial censorship, such as Visa and Mastercard’s 2010 suspension of payments to WikiLeaks.
For more details, check out the keynote speech here: YouTube Video.
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