Unlocking Privacy on Cardano: Implementing an Anonymous Donation/Transaction System

[GENERAL] Name and Surname of Main Applicant

Ehtisham Sabir

[GENERAL] Email address of Main Applicant

contact@ehtishamsabir.com

Additional Applicants

It's a solo application

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

3

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

No

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.” in this field.

No dependencies.

[GENERAL] Will your project outputs be fully Open Source?

Yes

[GENERAL] If NO, please describe which outputs are not going to be open source. If YES, please write “Project will be fully open source.” in this field.

Project will be fully open source.

[METADATA] Category of Proposal

DeFi

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

The problem we are solving is the lack of privacy and traceability in transactions on the Cardano blockchain. By developing an anonymous transaction tool, we aim to address the concerns surrounding privacy and provide users with a way to make untraceable transactions.

We have approached this problem by implementing a smart contract portal that combines several techniques. We separate non-fungible tokens (NFTs) from the input UTXOs, combine the remaining UTXOs into a single UTXO, and then distribute the ADA amount in batches to user-provided wallets. By encrypting the destination wallet addresses and utilizing batched transactions, we ensure that it is nearly impossible to trace the transaction back to its origin.

Our project will engage individuals and organizations who value privacy and wish to make anonymous transactions or donations on the Cardano blockchain. This includes users who want to contribute to causes without revealing their identity or transaction history. By providing an intuitive and user-friendly portal, we aim to empower a wide range of users, from individual contributors to charitable organizations.

To demonstrate the impact of our solution, we will conduct thorough testing to ensure the privacy and security of transactions. Additionally, we will evaluate the effectiveness of our approach through real-world use cases and feedback from users. By measuring the level of privacy achieved and the satisfaction of users, we can provide tangible evidence of the impact and value of our solution.

What is unique about our solution is the combination of encryption, UTXO consolidation, and batched transactions in a user-friendly portal. This unique approach allows for enhanced privacy, making it difficult to trace transactions back to their origin. Users who value privacy and anonymity will benefit from this tool, as it provides a secure and confidential way to make transactions on the Cardano blockchain. This is important to Cardano as it aligns with its vision of a secure and decentralized blockchain ecosystem that respects user privacy. Our solution contributes to the overall advancement of Cardano as a blockchain platform that prioritizes privacy and user empowerment.

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

Beyond funding the project team, this project will have a significant impact on Cardano by addressing the critical aspect of privacy and anonymity in transactions.

The value this project brings to the Cardano ecosystem is multi-fold. Firstly, it enhances the attractiveness of Cardano as a blockchain platform for users who prioritize privacy and confidentiality in their transactions. This expands the user base and adoption of Cardano, contributing to its growth and ecosystem development.

Secondly, by offering a user-friendly solution for untraceable transactions, our project promotes trust and security within the Cardano community. Users will have the confidence to engage in anonymous donations and transactions, thereby fostering a sense of empowerment and privacy control.

Furthermore, our project aligns with Cardano's commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology. By exploring advanced encryption techniques, UTXO consolidation, and batched transactions, we contribute to the advancement of privacy solutions on the Cardano blockchain. This showcases Cardano as a platform that continually evolves to meet the needs and expectations of its users.

Overall, the impact of this project extends beyond funding the team. It enhances privacy, expands Cardano's user base, fosters trust and security, and aligns with the platform's commitment to innovation.

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

We intend to measure the success of our project through several key indicators:

1. User Adoption: We will track the number of users engaging with the anonymous donation tool and utilizing the smart contract portal. Increased user adoption demonstrates the value and relevance of our solution.
2. Transaction Volume: We will monitor the volume of transactions processed through the portal over time. A growing transaction volume indicates that users are actively utilizing the tool and finding value in its features.
3. User Feedback: Gathering feedback from users will be crucial in assessing the success of our project. We will collect user opinions, suggestions, and testimonials to understand their experience and satisfaction levels.
4. Privacy Metrics: We will evaluate the level of privacy achieved by analyzing the effectiveness of our encryption techniques, UTXO consolidation, and batched transactions. Measuring the difficulty of tracing transactions back to their origin will serve as a metric of success.
5. Impact on Cardano Community: We will assess the impact our project has on the Cardano community. This can be measured through community engagement, positive reception, and contributions to the overall development of the Cardano ecosystem.
6. External Recognition: External recognition and acknowledgment of our project's innovation and contribution to privacy on the Cardano blockchain will serve as a validation of its success. This can include awards, partnerships, or invitations to present at industry conferences.

By regularly monitoring these indicators, we will be able to gauge the success of our project, make improvements based on user feedback, and iterate on our solution to continuously enhance the user experience and privacy features.

[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

We have a comprehensive plan to share the outputs and results of our project with the Cardano community and the wider blockchain ecosystem. Our communication strategy includes:

1. Documentation: We will create detailed technical documentation outlining our solution's implementation, encryption techniques, and UTXO consolidation process. This documentation will be available on our project website or relevant repositories.
2. Whitepaper: We will prepare a comprehensive whitepaper presenting an overview of our project, addressing the problem, solution, and achieved results. The whitepaper will be publicly available for those interested in the technical and conceptual aspects.
3. Project Website: A dedicated project website will provide information about the anonymous donation tool, its features, and benefits. We will use it to share updates, news, and relevant resources related to the project.
4. Open-Source Repository: To adhere to open-source principles, we will share the source code on a public repository such as GitHub. This allows developers and the community to review, contribute, and build upon our work.

Through these efforts, we aim to create transparency and accessibility for our project. Sharing findings and engaging with the community will benefit Cardano users and contribute to knowledge and advancement of privacy solutions in the blockchain space.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

As a stake pool operator deeply involved in Cardano since 2021 and having developed expertise in the platform, I bring a strong sense of trust and accountability to the project. Here's how:

1. Experience and Expertise: With my experience as a stake pool operator and a developer in the Cardano ecosystem, I possess a deep understanding of the technology, its capabilities, and its challenges. This knowledge enables me to navigate the project with a high level of proficiency.
2. Track Record: My involvement in Cardano since 2021, combined with my username "cardano" on Upwork, demonstrates my commitment to the platform and my dedication to delivering high-quality work. I have a proven track record of successfully completing Cardano-related projects.
3. Professionalism and Accountability: As a stake pool operator and a freelancer on Upwork, I recognize the importance of professionalism and accountability. I adhere to best practices, meet deadlines, communicate effectively, and ensure transparency throughout the project's lifecycle.
4. Community Engagement: Being an active member of the Cardano community, I understand the significance of trust and accountability within the ecosystem. I actively engage with the community, seek feedback, and prioritize building relationships based on trust.
5. Deliverables and Milestones: To establish trust and accountability, I will define clear deliverables and milestones for the project. Regular progress updates and transparent communication will ensure stakeholders are well-informed and involved in the project's development.
6. Quality Assurance: I am committed to delivering a high-quality solution. Rigorous testing, adherence to best practices, and security measures will be implemented to ensure the final product meets the highest standards.
7. Client Satisfaction: As a freelancer on Upwork, I understand the importance of client satisfaction. I prioritize understanding client requirements, maintaining open lines of communication, and delivering results that align with their expectations.

By combining my stake pool operation experience, Cardano development expertise, and a commitment to professionalism, I am confident in my ability to deliver the project with the utmost trust and accountability.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

The main goals of the project are to develop an anonymous donation tool on the Cardano blockchain and validate its feasibility. We will conduct technical assessments, develop a prototype, execute real-world transactions, seek collaborative review, and adopt an iterative development process to validate the feasibility of our approach. This ensures our solution is efficient and aligns with project goals.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

Based on a 3-month timeline, here is a breakdown of the project milestones and associated tasks or activities:

Month 1:

1. Milestone: Project Setup and Planning

• Task 1: Define project scope, goals, and deliverables
• Task 2: Set up project management tools and communication channels
• Task 3: Gather requirements and conduct initial research
• Task 4: Develop a detailed project plan and timeline

1. Milestone: Smart Contract Development

• Task 1: Design and implement the smart contract for the anonymous donation tool
• Task 2: Integrate encryption techniques for protecting destination wallet addresses
• Task 3: Implement logic for UTXO separation and consolidation
• Task 4: Conduct internal testing and debugging of the smart contract

Month 2:

1. Milestone: Portal Development and Testing

• Task 1: Develop a user-friendly portal for launching smart contracts and managing transactions
• Task 2: Implement user interface components for inputting destination wallet addresses and ADA amounts
• Task 3: Integrate batched transaction logic and ADA distribution algorithm
• Task 4: Perform thorough testing and quality assurance of the portal and smart contract integration

1. Milestone: User Feedback and Iterative Enhancements

• Task 1: Conduct user testing sessions and gather feedback on the portal's usability and functionality
• Task 2: Analyze user feedback and identify areas for improvement or additional features
• Task 3: Make necessary enhancements based on user feedback and iterate on the portal and smart contract

Month 3:

1. Milestone: Validation and Finalization

• Task 1: Execute real-world transactions using the anonymous donation tool
• Task 2: Validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the solution in practical scenarios
• Task 3: Engage with the Cardano community and stakeholders for review and feedback
• Task 4: Finalize the documentation, including technical specifications and user guides

1. Milestone: Project Completion and Delivery

• Task 1: Prepare a final report summarizing the project's outcomes, achievements, and future recommendations
• Task 2: Share project outputs, including the portal, smart contract code, and documentation, through the project website and open-source repositories
• Task 3: Conduct a project review and closeout, including lessons learned and retrospective analysis

Note: The tasks and timelines provided are approximate and may vary depending on the project complexity, team size, and specific requirements. It's important to regularly monitor and adjust the timeline as needed to ensure successful project delivery within the allocated 3-month timeframe.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Month 1:

1. Milestone: Project Setup and Planning

• Deliverables: Project scope, goals, and deliverables document; project management tools set up; detailed project plan and timeline.
• Outputs: Clear understanding of project objectives and scope; well-defined project plan for efficient execution.

1. Milestone: Smart Contract Development

• Deliverables: Smart contract code for the anonymous donation tool; integration of encryption techniques; UTXO separation and consolidation logic.
• Outputs: Functioning smart contract with encryption and UTXO consolidation capabilities; internal testing and debugging complete.

Month 2:

1. Milestone: Portal Development and Testing

• Deliverables: User-friendly portal for launching smart contracts and managing transactions; user interface components for inputting wallet addresses and ADA amounts; batched transaction logic.
• Outputs: Fully functional portal with an intuitive user interface; batched transaction logic integrated and tested.

1. Milestone: User Feedback and Iterative Enhancements

• Deliverables: User feedback analysis report; enhanced portal and smart contract based on user feedback; updated documentation.
• Outputs: Improved user experience and functionality based on feedback; refined portal and smart contract for optimal performance.

Month 3:

1. Milestone: Validation and Finalization

• Deliverables: Report on validation of the solution in real-world transactions; feedback and review from Cardano community and stakeholders; finalized documentation.
• Outputs: Validated solution demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness in real-world scenarios; valuable insights from community review.

1. Milestone: Project Completion and Delivery

• Deliverables: Final project report summarizing outcomes, achievements, and future recommendations; sharing of project outputs (portal, smart contract code, documentation) through the project website and open-source repositories.
• Outputs: Completed project documentation and code available for public access; project outcomes shared with the Cardano community and wider audience.

The intended outcomes for each milestone are to progress towards the successful development and validation of the anonymous donation tool on the Cardano blockchain. These deliverables and outputs contribute to the overall goal of enhancing privacy and enabling untraceable transactions, while ensuring usability and meeting the requirements of the Cardano community.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

1. Personnel:

• Project Manager: 15 hours per week at $30/hour for 12 weeks.
• Developers: 30 hours per week at $30/hour for 12 weeks.
• Quality Assurance/Testers: 15 hours per week at $30/hour for 12 weeks.
• Total cost for personnel: $14,400.

1. Infrastructure and Tools:

• Cloud hosting services (e.g., AWS, GCP): $200/month.
• Development tools and licenses: $300.
• Communication and collaboration tools: $100.
• Total cost for infrastructure and tools: $1,000.

1. Research and Documentation:

• Research materials and publications: $200.
• Documentation tools and resources: $100.
• Total cost for research and documentation: $300.

1. Marketing and Outreach:

• Project website development and maintenance: $800.
• Marketing materials and promotion: $400.
• Community engagement and events: $500.
• Total cost for marketing and outreach: $1,700.

1. Contingency:

• Buffer for unforeseen expenses or adjustments: $1,600.

Total Project Budget: $19,000.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The cost of the project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem in several ways:

1. Enhanced Privacy and Anonymity: The project aims to develop an anonymous donation tool on the Cardano blockchain, providing users with enhanced privacy and anonymity in their transactions. This solution addresses a crucial need within the ecosystem, ensuring that users can engage in untraceable transactions while preserving their privacy. The value of privacy and anonymity is highly regarded, and the cost of the project directly translates into the value it brings to the Cardano ecosystem.
2. Improved User Experience: The project includes the development of a user-friendly portal for launching smart contracts and managing transactions. This emphasis on user experience contributes to a positive and seamless interaction for users, making it easier and more accessible to engage with the Cardano blockchain. By prioritizing user experience, the project enhances the value proposition of the Cardano ecosystem, attracting and retaining users.
3. Trust and Confidence: The implementation of encryption techniques, UTXO consolidation, and batched transactions in the anonymous donation tool ensures a high level of trust and confidence for users. By developing a robust and secure solution, the project instills confidence in users, encouraging their active participation and engagement within the Cardano ecosystem. Trust is a foundational element in any blockchain ecosystem, and the cost of the project directly reflects the investment made to establish and maintain this trust.
4. Community and Ecosystem Growth: The value of the project extends beyond its immediate benefits. By providing an anonymous donation tool, the project encourages philanthropy and charitable contributions within the Cardano community. This fosters a sense of community and collaboration, driving the growth and expansion of the Cardano ecosystem as a whole. The cost of the project represents an investment in the growth and development of the Cardano community, enabling it to flourish and make a positive impact.

Overall, the cost of the project represents value for money in the Cardano ecosystem by addressing critical needs, enhancing user experience, fostering trust and confidence, and driving community and ecosystem growth. The investment made in the project directly aligns with the values and goals of Cardano, ensuring a robust and thriving ecosystem for users and stakeholders.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agreed to Fund10 rules and also that data in the Submission Form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept