Empowering Individuals: A Decentralized Data Governance Marketplace for Personal Data Ownership and Control on Cardano Blockchain

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Shivangi Chaurasiya

[GENERAL] Email address of main applicant

chaurasiyashivangi7@gmail.com

Additional applicants

yes

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

10

[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.” .

No

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s 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.”

Project will be fully open source.

[METADATA] Category of Proposal

dApp

[METADATA] SDG rating

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The project can contribute to SDG 9 by leveraging blockchain technology to create an innovative and secure data governance infrastructure that empowers individuals and establishes a fair and sustainable data economy.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: The project aligns with SDG 16 by promoting data privacy, consent-based sharing, and fair compensation, which can foster trust, transparency, and accountability within the data ecosystem.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: By leveraging the Cardano blockchain and potentially collaborating with external partners, the project can demonstrate a commitment to partnerships and collective action to achieve sustainable development goals.

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

Proposed Solution:

Our proposed solution is a decentralized data governance marketplace on the Cardano blockchain that addresses the problem of limited ownership, control, and fair compensation for personal data. We aim to empower individuals by providing them with ownership and control over their data, enabling selective sharing, access permissions, and direct data monetization.

We perceive the problem as an imbalance of power in the current data landscape, where individuals generate significant amounts of personal data but have little control over its collection, usage, and monetization by centralized entities. Our solution seeks to shift this power dynamic by giving individuals sovereignty over their data.

We approach this problem by leveraging the secure and transparent nature of the Cardano blockchain, which ensures data integrity, immutability, and privacy preservation. The decentralized nature of the marketplace allows individuals to determine who can access their data, for what purposes, and to directly monetize their contributions.

Our project engages individuals as the owners and controllers of their data, data consumers interested in accessing specific types of data, and potentially integration partners offering complementary services. We prioritize user-centric design and inclusive governance, involving stakeholders in decision-making processes related to data governance policies, standards, and dispute resolution.

To demonstrate our impact, we will track metrics such as the number of individuals participating in the marketplace, the volume of data shared and monetized, and feedback from users regarding their enhanced control and fair compensation. Additionally, we will conduct regular audits and assessments to ensure privacy, security, and compliance with relevant regulations.

What is unique about our solution is the comprehensive approach to data governance beyond self-sovereign identity, direct data monetization, integration with the Cardano blockchain, and user participation in governance. Individuals will benefit by having ownership, control, and fair compensation for their data, promoting privacy, consent-based sharing, and empowerment. This solution is important to Cardano as it aligns with its principles of decentralization, privacy, and user empowerment, further enhancing the ecosystem's value and potential use cases.

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

By addressing this challenge, the solution brings several benefits to the Cardano ecosystem:

1. Enhanced User Empowerment: The solution empowers individuals by giving them sovereignty over their data, promoting privacy, consent-based sharing, and control. This aligns with Cardano's principles of user empowerment, decentralization, and self-sovereign identity, reinforcing the ecosystem's commitment to user-centric design.
2. Increased Data Security and Privacy: Leveraging the Cardano blockchain's secure and transparent infrastructure, the solution ensures data integrity, immutability, and privacy preservation. This strengthens data security and privacy, addressing concerns around unauthorized data usage and breaches.
3. Expanded Use Cases: The decentralized data governance marketplace opens up new use cases within the Cardano ecosystem. It enables individuals to monetize their data directly, creating opportunities for innovative applications, research, and data-driven decision-making. This fosters a vibrant and diverse ecosystem built on Cardano.
4. Enhanced Trust and Transparency: Through transparent transactions and user-controlled consent mechanisms, the solution promotes trust and transparency. This strengthens the reputation of the Cardano ecosystem as a reliable platform for secure and ethical data interactions.
5. Potential for Network Growth: The introduction of a decentralized data governance marketplace attracts users and contributors to the Cardano ecosystem, expanding its user base and network effects. It encourages collaboration, community participation, and further development of the ecosystem.

Overall, the proposed solution addresses the challenge of limited data ownership, control, and fair compensation, bringing benefits of user empowerment, data security, expanded use cases, trust, and network growth to the Cardano ecosystem. It aligns with Cardano's core principles and strengthens its position as a leading platform for decentralized and user-centric solutions.

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

1. User Adoption and Engagement: We will track metrics such as the number of users participating in the decentralized data governance marketplace, the frequency of data sharing and transactions, and user feedback regarding their experience and satisfaction with the platform. These metrics will provide insights into the adoption and engagement levels, indicating the project's acceptance and value to users.
2. Data Monetization and Compensation: We will measure the volume and value of data transactions occurring within the marketplace, including the number of successful data sales or licenses, the average compensation received by individuals, and the growth of the data economy over time. These metrics will indicate the project's effectiveness in enabling direct data monetization and fair compensation for individuals.
3. Governance Participation: As inclusive governance is a key aspect of the project, we will assess the level of participation and engagement of users in decision-making processes. This can be measured through metrics such as the number of governance proposals submitted, the number of votes cast, and the diversity of participants. These metrics will reflect the project's success in fostering community involvement and decentralized governance.
4. User Privacy and Security: We will conduct regular audits and assessments to ensure data privacy, security, and compliance with relevant regulations. This will involve evaluating the effectiveness of privacy-enhancing technologies implemented, the absence of data breaches or unauthorized access incidents, and adherence to data protection standards.
5. Ecosystem Growth and Partnerships: We will track the expansion of the Cardano ecosystem through metrics such as the number of integration partners joining the marketplace, the diversity of use cases leveraging the data governance infrastructure, and the overall growth in the ecosystem's user base. These metrics will indicate the project's contribution to ecosystem development and network effects.

Regarding the innovation's impact on Cardano's productivity and growth, in the short term, the project can attract new users and contributors to the ecosystem, expanding its user base and stimulating ecosystem growth. The introduction of a decentralized data governance marketplace enhances the ecosystem's value proposition and opens up new use cases, driving productivity and innovation.

In the long term, the project's success can establish Cardano as a leading platform for secure and user-centric data interactions. The growth of the data economy within the ecosystem can create sustainable revenue streams and attract further investment. The marketplace's success can also enhance Cardano's reputation, leading to more partnerships, increased adoption, and ecosystem maturity.

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

1. Documentation and Reports: We will create comprehensive documentation that outlines the project's architecture, features, and implementation details. This documentation will be made available to the public through various channels such as project websites, technical forums, and knowledge-sharing platforms.
2. Open-Source Repository: We will maintain an open-source repository where the project's codebase, smart contracts, and other relevant resources will be accessible to developers, researchers, and the wider community. This will facilitate collaboration, contributions, and further development based on the project's outputs.
3. Community Engagement: We will actively engage with the Cardano community through online forums, social media platforms, and community events. We will share updates, insights, and opportunities arising from the project, encouraging participation, feedback, and collaboration from community members.
4. Partnerships and Collaboration: We will seek opportunities to collaborate with external organizations, researchers, and industry stakeholders who have an interest in decentralized data governance, privacy, and fair data practices. By establishing partnerships, we can extend the reach of the project's outputs and leverage synergies for further research and development activities.
5. Research Publications and Conferences: We aim to publish research papers and present findings at relevant conferences, workshops, and industry events. This will enable us to share the project's insights, methodologies, and potential impacts with the broader academic and professional community.

Regarding further research and development activities, the results generated from the project will serve as a foundation for ongoing innovation and exploration. The outputs, lessons learned, and user feedback will inform future iterations and enhancements of the decentralized data governance marketplace. Research insights and user experiences will guide the refinement of privacy-enhancing technologies, governance models, and data monetization mechanisms.

The project's outcomes can also inspire new research avenues in areas such as decentralized identity, data privacy, and fair compensation models. The results may be used to publish additional research papers, contribute to academic discussions, and attract further funding or collaborations for follow-up projects.

By leveraging the results and insights generated from the project, we aim to foster continuous research and development activities that advance the state of decentralized data governance, promote user-centric solutions, and contribute to the broader fields of blockchain technology, data ethics, and digital rights management.

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

1. Expertise and Experience: Look for a team or organization with relevant expertise in blockchain development, decentralized systems, data governance, and related technologies. Consider their track record of successfully delivering similar projects in the past.
2. Technical Proficiency: Evaluate their technical skills and knowledge to ensure they have a strong understanding of the required technologies, such as the Cardano blockchain and smart contract development. Assess their ability to develop secure, scalable, and efficient solutions.
3. Project Management: The team should have a well-defined project management process in place. This includes establishing clear goals, timelines, and deliverables, and regularly communicating progress to stakeholders. Demonstrating effective project management methodologies, such as Agile or Scrum, can instill confidence in their ability to deliver on time and within budget.
4. Transparency and Accountability: Look for transparency in the team's communication and decision-making processes. They should provide regular updates, be responsive to inquiries, and maintain open channels for feedback and collaboration. A team that prioritizes accountability and is open to external audits or reviews can demonstrate a commitment to proper fund management.
5. Financial Governance: Establishing financial governance practices is crucial for proper fund management. This includes transparent budgeting, expense tracking, and financial reporting. The team should have mechanisms in place to ensure funds are used for their intended purposes and provide regular reports on fund allocation and expenditures.
6. Collaborative Partnerships: Assess the team's ability to build collaborative partnerships with other organizations, research institutions, or industry experts. Strong partnerships can bring additional expertise, resources, and credibility to the project.
7. Community Engagement: Consider the team's ability to engage with the community and stakeholders. They should actively seek and incorporate feedback, involve users in decision-making processes, and foster a supportive and inclusive community.

It is important to conduct thorough due diligence, review the team's qualifications, assess their past projects and references, and engage in open and transparent communication before entrusting them with the management of funds.

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

1. Enable Data Ownership and Control: The primary objective is to empower individuals with ownership and control over their personal data. Users should have the ability to selectively share their data, define access permissions, and revoke consent when desired.

Validation: The achievement of this objective can be validated by measuring the number of users actively managing and controlling their data, the frequency of data sharing permissions being set or modified, and user feedback indicating a sense of ownership and control over their data.

1. Facilitate Direct Data Monetization: Another goal is to enable individuals to directly monetize their data contributions. Users should have the opportunity to sell or license their data, receive fair compensation, and participate in the data economy.

Validation: The success of this objective can be measured by tracking the volume and value of data transactions within the marketplace, the number of successful data sales or licenses, and user feedback regarding their satisfaction with the monetization process and received compensation.

1. Ensure Privacy and Security: A critical objective is to prioritize user privacy and data security throughout the data governance marketplace. Robust privacy-enhancing technologies, secure storage, and encryption measures should be implemented to protect sensitive data.

Validation: This objective can be validated through regular audits and security assessments, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations, absence of data breaches or unauthorized access incidents, and user feedback on the perceived privacy and security of their data within the marketplace.

1. Foster User Engagement and Participation: It is essential to promote user engagement and participation in governance processes. Users should have the opportunity to contribute to decision-making related to data governance policies, standards, and dispute resolution.

Validation: The achievement of this objective can be measured by tracking the number of governance proposals submitted, the number of votes cast by users, and user feedback indicating a sense of involvement and influence in shaping the marketplace's governance.

For a technical implementation, the project will involve developing smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) on the Cardano blockchain. Privacy-enhancing technologies, such as zero-knowledge proofs or differential privacy, can be explored and implemented to safeguard user data. User-friendly interfaces and intuitive user experiences will be developed to ensure seamless interactions within the marketplace.

It's important to note that while some objectives can be quantitatively measured, others, such as user experience and engagement, may require qualitative assessments through user surveys, interviews, and feedback. The success of these objectives will be evaluated based on the overall satisfaction and perception of users regarding data ownership, control, monetization, privacy, security, and participation within the marketplace.

[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.

Milestone 1: Project Initiation and Planning

• Task 1: Project kick-off and team formation
• Task 2: Define project objectives, scope, and requirements
• Task 3: Conduct market research and analyze existing solutions
• Task 4: Develop a detailed project plan and timeline

Expected Timeline: 1 month

Milestone 2: Architecture and Smart Contract Development

• Task 1: Design the overall architecture of the decentralized data governance marketplace
• Task 2: Develop and deploy smart contracts for data ownership, sharing, and monetization
• Task 3: Implement privacy-enhancing technologies and encryption measures
• Task 4: Integrate with the Cardano blockchain and test interoperability

Expected Timeline: 2 months

Milestone 3: User Interface and Experience Design

• Task 1: Design user-friendly interfaces for data management, sharing, and monetization
• Task 2: Implement intuitive user workflows and data visualization features
• Task 3: Conduct usability testing and gather user feedback for iterative improvements

Expected Timeline: 2 months

Milestone 4: Marketplace Functionality and Integration

• Task 1: Develop marketplace features for data discovery, search, and filtering
• Task 2: Implement secure payment mechanisms for data transactions
• Task 3: Integrate with external data analytics tools or services, if applicable
• Task 4: Conduct extensive testing and bug fixing to ensure functionality and security

Expected Timeline: 2 months

Milestone 5: Governance and Community Engagement

• Task 1: Design and implement decentralized governance mechanisms
• Task 2: Develop voting systems and proposal submission processes
• Task 3: Foster community engagement through forums, social media, and events
• Task 4: Establish partnerships with relevant organizations and stakeholders

Expected Timeline: 2 months

Milestone 6: Security Audits and Compliance

• Task 1: Conduct comprehensive security audits of the marketplace infrastructure
• Task 2: Implement necessary security enhancements and patches
• Task 3: Ensure compliance with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR)
• Task 4: Obtain necessary certifications or compliance attestations

Expected Timeline: 1 month

Milestone 7: User Testing and Feedback Integration

• Task 1: Conduct user testing sessions to gather feedback on usability and functionality
• Task 2: Iteratively incorporate user feedback and make necessary improvements
• Task 3: Perform additional rounds of testing and refinement

Expected Timeline: 1 month

Milestone 8: Deployment and Launch

• Task 1: Prepare the marketplace for public launch
• Task 2: Develop comprehensive documentation and user guides
• Task 3: Deploy the decentralized data governance marketplace on the Cardano blockchain
• Task 4: Conduct post-launch monitoring and support

Expected Timeline: 1 month

Please note that the timeline provided is an estimate and can vary depending on the project's complexity, team size, and any unforeseen challenges that may arise during the development process. It is important to regularly review and adjust the timeline as necessary to ensure successful project delivery.

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

Milestone 1: Project Initiation and Planning

• Deliverables: Project kick-off report, team formation documentation, project objectives and requirements document, market research findings report, detailed project plan and timeline.

Milestone 2: Architecture and Smart Contract Development

• Deliverables: System architecture design documentation, deployed and tested smart contracts for data ownership, sharing, and monetization, privacy-enhancing technology implementation documentation, interoperability testing report.

Milestone 3: User Interface and Experience Design

• Deliverables: User interface design mockups, implemented user workflows and data visualization features, usability testing report, user feedback analysis and iteration documentation.

Milestone 4: Marketplace Functionality and Integration

• Deliverables: Implemented marketplace features for data discovery, search, and filtering, secure payment mechanisms integration documentation, external data analytics tool integration documentation, comprehensive testing report with bug fixes.

Milestone 5: Governance and Community Engagement

• Deliverables: Decentralized governance mechanisms design documentation, implemented voting systems and proposal submission processes, community engagement documentation, established partnerships with relevant organizations.

Milestone 6: Security Audits and Compliance

• Deliverables: Security audit reports, security enhancement documentation, compliance documentation showing adherence to data protection regulations.

Milestone 7: User Testing and Feedback Integration

• Deliverables: User testing report, integrated user feedback and improvement documentation, refined user experience and functionality.

Milestone 8: Deployment and Launch

• Deliverables: Documentation for marketplace deployment, comprehensive user guides, post-launch monitoring report, ongoing support documentation.

The intended outcomes of each milestone contribute to the overall success of the project. Milestones 1 and 2 lay the foundation by establishing project objectives, conducting research, and developing the core smart contract infrastructure. Milestones 3 and 4 focus on delivering a user-friendly interface, marketplace functionality, and integration with external tools. Milestone 5 emphasizes governance and community engagement, ensuring user participation and partnership establishment. Milestone 6 addresses security and compliance, safeguarding user data and adhering to relevant regulations. Milestone 7 involves iterative user testing and feedback integration to improve the overall user experience. Finally, Milestone 8 marks the successful deployment and launch of the decentralized data governance marketplace.

The deliverables from each milestone collectively contribute to the realization of the project's objectives, which include empowering individuals with data ownership and control, enabling direct data monetization, ensuring privacy and security, fostering user engagement and participation, and establishing a functional and user-friendly marketplace on the Cardano blockchain.

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

Below is a breakdown of the proposed budget for the project. Please note that the budget estimation is provided as a general guideline and can vary based on specific project requirements, team size, and other factors. Additionally, the currency and time duration for the budget are not specified, so please adapt the amounts accordingly.

1. Personnel Expenses:

• Development Team: Salaries for developers, blockchain experts, smart contract developers, and UI/UX designers.
• Project Manager: Salary for overseeing project coordination, planning, and resource management.
• Quality Assurance: Costs for QA professionals responsible for testing and ensuring the quality of the deliverables.
• Estimated cost: $X

1. Infrastructure and Tools:

• Cloud Services: Costs for hosting the project infrastructure on cloud platforms like AWS or Azure.
• Development Tools and Licenses: Expenses for software development tools, project management tools, and design software.
• Estimated cost: $X

1. External Audits and Security:

• Security Audits: Fees for external security audit services to assess the integrity and security of the project.
• Compliance Audits: Costs for auditing and ensuring compliance with relevant data protection regulations.
• Estimated cost: $X

1. Research and Market Analysis:

• Market Research: Expenses for conducting market research to analyze existing solutions and user needs.
• Competitor Analysis: Costs for assessing competitors and identifying unique value propositions.
• Estimated cost: $X

1. Documentation and Communication:

• Technical Documentation: Budget for creating detailed technical documentation and user guides.
• Communication and Outreach: Expenses for marketing materials, community engagement, and event participation.
• Estimated cost: $X

1. Contingency:

• Buffer for unexpected expenses or changes in project scope.
• Estimated cost: $X

Total Estimated Budget: $X

It's important to note that the budget breakdown provided is a rough estimation and should be adapted and refined based on the specific requirements, team composition, and project duration. Regular monitoring and adjustment of the budget are necessary to ensure proper resource allocation and value for money.

[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. Strategic Alignment: The project aligns with Cardano's vision of empowering individuals, promoting decentralization, and fostering user-centric solutions. By investing in a project that addresses the challenges of limited data ownership, control, and fair compensation, Cardano demonstrates its commitment to providing value and empowering its user base.
2. Ecosystem Expansion: The project's successful implementation adds value to the Cardano ecosystem by introducing a new use case and expanding its range of applications. It attracts users, developers, and stakeholders interested in decentralized data governance, privacy, and fair data practices, leading to a larger and more vibrant ecosystem.
3. User Empowerment: By enabling individuals to have ownership, control, and fair compensation for their personal data, the project empowers users within the Cardano ecosystem. This enhancement in user experience and control fosters loyalty, trust, and continued engagement with the platform.
4. Innovative Potential: The project contributes to the overall innovative potential of the Cardano ecosystem. It introduces cutting-edge technologies such as decentralized data governance, privacy-enhancing mechanisms, and smart contracts. These innovations can inspire further research, development, and experimentation within the ecosystem, driving continuous growth and attracting additional resources and talent.
5. Competitive Advantage: By investing in a project that addresses data ownership and control, Cardano gains a competitive advantage in the blockchain and data governance space. It distinguishes itself as a platform that prioritizes user privacy, fair compensation, and data sovereignty, setting itself apart from other blockchain networks and centralized data platforms.
6. Long-Term Value: The benefits and impact of the project extend beyond the initial implementation phase. The establishment of a decentralized data governance marketplace can create sustainable revenue streams and opportunities for Cardano and its users. It has the potential to unlock economic value, attract investment, and contribute to the long-term growth and stability of the ecosystem.

Considering these factors, the cost of the project represents a worthwhile investment for the Cardano ecosystem, as it aligns with the platform's principles, expands its value proposition, empowers users, fosters innovation, and provides a competitive advantage in the blockchain industry.

[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