Decentralized Crowdsourced Data Verification dApp on Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Tadesse D.

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Fikirte Gejo

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

6

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

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will build a crowdsourced data verification platform on Cardano, enabling users to collaboratively validate data with transparency and accountability, reducing misinformation and enhancing trust.

[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 dependencies.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

The project will be open source throughout its lifecycle. We intend to use the MIT License for our repository. This will include the entire codebase for the platform, smart contracts, and associated documentation. The open-source nature ensures transparency, encourages community contributions, and allows for independent verification of our solution. The repository will be hosted on GitHub, where all developments and updates will be accessible.

[METADATA] Horizons

Standards

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Misinformation and unverified data are pervasive online, eroding trust and causing confusion. Traditional fact-checking methods are often centralized and slow, leading to delays in addressing inaccuracies.

Approach: We propose a decentralized, crowdsourced data verification platform built on the Cardano blockchain. This solution leverages blockchain technology to ensure transparency, immutability, and collaborative verification of data. Users will submit data, engage in collective validation, and reach consensus through a decentralized process.

Data Submission and Categorization

• Data Submission: Users can submit various types of data for verification, including news articles, scientific research, statistics, and public statements.
• Categorization: Data is organized into categories and subcategories (e.g., Politics > Election Results, Science > Climate Data) to streamline the verification process. The platform can also auto-suggest categories using AI, improving organization and searchability.

Collaborative Verification

• Crowdsourced Verification: Users collaboratively analyze submitted data. They can add comments, provide evidence (e.g., links, documents), and annotate data to highlight important points. A discussion thread is attached to each data item where users can debate its validity.
• Verification Levels: The platform can have different verification levels, such as initial scrutiny, peer review, and final consensus, allowing for layered verification.

Reputation Point

• Reputation Point: Users accumulate reputation points based on the accuracy and quality of their contributions. For instance, users who frequently submit accurate data or help validate information receive higher reputation scores. Conversely, users submitting incorrect data might lose points. Reputation influences users’ decision-making power within the platform.

Decentralized Consensus Mechanism

• Staking Mechanism: Users can stake tokens on the accuracy of a piece of data. If the data is validated as correct, those who staked on it receive rewards; otherwise, they may lose part of their stake. This incentivizes careful analysis.
• Voting: Users can vote on whether they believe the data is accurate or not. The final decision is determined through a weighted voting system, where votes from users with higher reputations carry more weight.

Reward System

• Token Rewards: Users earn platform-specific tokens for participating in the verification process, such as submitting data, reviewing data, or providing helpful comments and evidence.
• Milestone Rewards: Additional rewards can be given when users reach certain milestones, such as validating 100 data points or achieving a high reputation score.

Data Provenance and Traceability

• Provenance Tracking: Use blockchain to track the origin of data, including where it was first submitted and by whom. This can be crucial in verifying the authenticity and source of the data.
• Traceability: Users can trace the history of a data item, seeing how it has been scrutinized and validated over time. This traceability adds an extra layer of trust and verification.

Transparency and Auditability

• Blockchain Logging: Every action related to data verification (submission, validation, comments, final verdict) is logged on the Cardano blockchain. This ensures that the process is transparent and that the data’s verification history is immutable and accessible to everyone.
• Public Audit Trail: Create a publicly accessible audit trail for each data point, where anyone can see the history of submissions, validations, and decisions, along with associated user reputations.

API Integration

• Data Submission API: Third-party platforms can submit data to the verification platform through an API. This expands the reach of the platform, allowing for more extensive data collection and validation.
• Data Retrieval API: Verified data can be accessed by external platforms or applications via API, making it easier to integrate trusted data into other systems or services.

Decentralized Storage

• IPFS or Cardano Storage Solutions: We’ll store data and associated evidence on decentralized storage networks like IPFS, ensuring that the data is immutable and not controlled by a single entity.
• Redundancy: Implement redundancy in storage to prevent data loss and ensure that all evidence and data points are securely preserved.

Dispute Resolution

• Challenge Mechanism: Users can challenge the verification outcome of a data item if they believe it to be incorrect. This initiates a secondary review process where other users or a panel of experts reassess the data.
• Resolution Process: If a challenge is raised, it triggers a resolution process involving higher-reputation users or a specialized group of validators. The final decision could involve community voting or expert judgment.

User-Friendly Interface

• Intuitive Design: The platform will have a clean, user-friendly interface, making it easy for users of all levels to navigate, submit data, and participate in the verification process.
• Guided Processes: Provide step-by-step guides and tooltips for new users to help them understand how to contribute effectively. An interactive tutorial can be part of the onboarding process.

Educational Resources

• Verification Guidelines: Offer comprehensive guidelines on how to verify different types of data, including tutorials, best practices, and case studies.
• Training Modules: Develop training modules or courses that users can complete to improve their data verification skills, possibly earning them badges or reputation points upon completion.

Engagement: The platform will engage a broad user base, including researchers, journalists, and the general public, who can contribute to and benefit from verified information. By using a reputation and staking system, the platform will incentivize accurate contributions and foster a trustworthy verification community.

Impact Demonstration: We will measure impact through:

• Data Accuracy: Tracking the percentage of data verified as accurate by the community.
• User Engagement: Monitoring the number of active users, data submissions, and validation activities.
• Transparency: Providing an open, immutable record of verification processes on the Cardano blockchain.

Uniqueness and Benefits: This solution is unique due to its decentralized nature, which reduces reliance on central authorities and increases trustworthiness. By leveraging Cardano’s blockchain for transparency and accountability, the platform ensures that data verification is fair and tamper-proof. This approach aligns with Cardano's principles of decentralization and enhances its ecosystem by providing a tool for improving data integrity and public trust.

This platform will benefit anyone relying on verified information, fostering a more informed and credible online environment.

Current Progress

We have initiated the backend API development for the following components:

• Data Submission: Users can submit data, including news articles, research papers, and statistics, to be verified by the community.
• Categorization: Submitted data is categorized into predefined categories and subcategories for streamlined verification.
• Collaborative Verification: Users can engage in collaborative verification by analyzing data, adding comments, and providing evidence.

Our development progress is publicly accessible through our GitHub repository, where we have posted the code. You can view the repository and track our updates here. (Click here)

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Our project will strengthen the Cardano ecosystem by introducing a decentralized, transparent data verification platform, aligning with Cardano's goals of decentralization, transparency, and community engagement. By utilizing Cardano’s blockchain, we aim to support accurate information and combat misinformation, contributing to a more trustworthy and informed digital environment.

Measuring Impact:

We will monitor key metrics to measure our impact. Quantitative metrics include data verification rates, user engagement (active users, data submissions, and validation activities), and reputation scores to assess the effectiveness of the incentive mechanisms. Qualitative metrics will focus on user feedback regarding platform usability and trust, along with case studies highlighting instances where the platform successfully countered misinformation.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

All code and documentation will be open-sourced on GitHub, fostering transparency and community collaboration. We will also share regular community updates via Cardano forums, social media, and newsletters, and seek partnerships with educational institutions and media to promote adoption and showcase the platform's impact.

Project Success:

The project's success will be measured by its ability to reduce misinformation, increase the credibility of online data, and engage the Cardano community in promoting trust and transparency. This decentralized verification tool will play a pivotal role in improving data integrity within the Cardano ecosystem.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Existing Capabilities:

• Previous Projects: We have successfully delivered multiple projects involving blockchain integration and decentralized solutions on previous funding rounds. Our past work includes developing applications on the Cardano blockchain, demonstrating our technical competence and project management skills.
• Expert Team: Our team consists of experienced developers and blockchain experts with a proven track record in building decentralized applications and managing blockchain projects. Our team’s expertise includes smart contract development, data integrity solutions, and platform design.
• Open Source Experience: We are committed to open-source principles, ensuring transparency and community involvement. Our previous projects have been open-source, allowing for community feedback and contributions.

Validation of Feasibility:

• Prototype Development: We started with a prototype of the data verification platform to test core functionalities, user interaction, and data validation processes. This will help us identify potential issues and refine our approach before full-scale development.
• Pilot Testing: Conduct pilot testing with a select group of users to validate the platform’s effectiveness in real-world scenarios. Feedback from this testing will be used to make iterative improvements.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with potential users, industry experts, and Cardano community members to gather insights and validate the platform’s features and usability.

Our team’s experience, commitment to transparency, and structured approach to managing funds and validating feasibility demonstrate our capability to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Initial Development

Description: Develop the platform's basic features, including the data submission interface, and user authentication. Begin initial development on the core backend functionalities.

Key Features:

• User Authentication: Design and implement secure user authentication by sign in with Cardano (using popular wallets such as Nami) and role-based access.
• Data Submission Interface: Create the interface for users to submit data for verification.
• Categorization: Organization of data into categories and subcategories to streamline the verification process.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Functional backend and frontend with user authentication and data submission interface with categorization feature.

Crowdsourced Verification module Development

Description: Develop and implement the crowdsourced verification model, where users collaboratively analyze, annotate, and debate the validity of submitted data. This milestone will also include the development of different verification levels to allow for a structured, multi-layered verification process.

Key Features:

• Crowdsourced Verification: Enable users to collaboratively verify data. Users can add comments, provide evidence (e.g., links, documents), and annotate data to highlight key points. Each data item will have an attached discussion thread for users to debate its validity.
• Verification Levels: Implement multiple verification levels, such as initial scrutiny, peer review, and final consensus. This allows for a layered approach where data undergoes rigorous checks before final validation.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Fully functional crowdsourced verification module where users can collaboratively analyze, comment on, and annotate data.
• Discussion threads attached to each data item, enabling users to debate its validity.
• Implementation of verification levels, with a clear workflow from initial scrutiny to final consensus.
• User feedback collected on the verification process and adjustments made based on insights.

Development of Verification and Consensus Mechanism

Description: Implement the core data verification and consensus mechanisms. Develop the reputation module to ensure reliable verification.

Key Features:

• Blockchain Integration: Initial setup for storing data submissions on the Cardano blockchain.
• Verification System: Enable users to verify and validate submitted data collaboratively.
• Reputation Module: Develop the reputation module to rank accurate validators and for trustworthiness.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Working verification system with user interaction for data validation.
• Storage operational and integrated with blockchain.
• Reputation module functional.
• Initial blockchain integration for storing data.

User Dashboard, Analytics, and Full Platform Launch

Description: Finalize the development of the user dashboard and analytics tools for tracking verification activities, user contributions, and platform metrics. Prepare the platform for a public launch.

Key Features:

• User Dashboard: Develop a comprehensive dashboard for users to track their verification activities, and reputation.
• Analytics Charts: Implement analytics for monitoring platform usage, data verification trends, and user engagement.
• Public Launch: Final preparations and deployment of the platform to the public.

Acceptance Criteria:

• User dashboard and analytics charts are fully functional and user-friendly.
• Successful public launch with platform operational and accessible.
• Initial user onboarding and community engagement activities initiated.

Project Close-out Report and Video (based on catalyst guideline)

Description: Prepare and submit a final project close-out report detailing the project's achievements, challenges, and lessons learned based on catalyst guidelines. Create a video summarizing the project’s impact and outcomes based on catalyst guidelines.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Completed project close-out report with financial and project performance summaries.
• Final video presenting key project highlights and impact.

Each milestone will be carefully tracked and managed to ensure successful project delivery and adherence to the proposed timeline. These milestones cover the key phases of developing, testing, launching, and optimizing the platform proof of concept (PoC), ensuring a structured and transparent project delivery process.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Core project team

1.Markos Muche

• Role: Project Manager
• LinkedIn:Markos Muche
• Responsibilities: Oversee project execution, manage timelines, coordinate between team members, and handle communication with stakeholders.
• Experience - SingularityNet, iCog Labs, iCardio.io
• Certifications - Microsoft: Azure Fundamentals, Azure Data Scientist Associate, Google: Perform Foundational Infrastructure Tasks in Google Cloud, Migrating MySQL data to Cloud SQL using Database Migration Service, Introduction to AI and Machine Learning on Google Cloud, Google Cloud Essentials, Develop your Google Cloud Network, Create and Manage Cloud Resources, Build Infrastructure with Terraform on Google Cloud, Reliable Google Cloud Infrastructure: Design and Process, Essential Google Cloud Infrastructure: Foundation, Essential Google Cloud Infrastructure: Core Services

2. Tadesse D.

• Role: Lead Blockchain Developer
• Telegram:Tadesse
• Responsibilities: Design and develop blockchain features, implement blockchain-based data verification processes, and ensure platform security.
• Experience: Funded proposer on previous fund. Check here Project 1, Project 2, Project 3. Co-founder of Herma apps
• Certification: Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA) - Certificate Number 5353074

3. Samuel Birhanu

• Role: Data Analyst
• Github:Samuel Birhanu
• Responsibilities: Analyze data verification results, track performance metrics, and provide insights for platform optimization.
• Experience: Contributed on previously funded projects. Check here Project 1, Project 2, Project 3.

4. Mohammed Ibrahim

• Role: Frontend Developer
• Portfolio:Mohammed Ibrahim
• Responsibilities: Develop and maintain the user interface, integrate frontend with backend services, and ensure a seamless user experience.
• Experience: Contributed on previously funded projects. Check here Project 1, Project 2, Project 3. Experience in designing engaging and user-friendly interfaces for mobile and web applications.

5. Tensae Berhanu

• Role: Backend Developer
• LinkedIn:Tensae Berhanu
• Responsibilities: Implement backend services, handle data management, and ensure efficient server operations.
• Experience in cache, database management and API integration, Proficient in server-side programming languages.

6. Matiyas Seifu

• Role: Programmer 
• Linkedin: Linkedin click here 
• Responsibilities: Responsible for developing the backend infrastructure, API integration, and database management.
• Expertise: Proficient in backend technologies and database management systems. Extensive experience in developing scalable and efficient blockchain related backend solutions. Development experience at iCog Labs, A RC ICT TECHNOLOGIES PLC, A2SV | Africa to Silicon Valley, WhiteHat It Solution and Eskalate technologies

7.Fikirte Gejo

• Role: Quality Assurance Engineer
• Responsibilities: Conducts testing and quality assurance of both the backend APIs to ensure functionality and performance meet requirements.
• Expertise: Experienced in testing frameworks and methodologies, including manual and automated testing. Skilled in identifying and resolving software defects to ensure the delivery of high-quality products.

Engagement and Communication:

We have engaged with relevant technical groups, including Ethiopian Blockchain Network Group and CodeNight to communicate with the Cardano community, seek feedback, and collaborate with other developers and enthusiasts. Direct lines of communication have been established to ensure effective coordination and access to necessary resources

All team members are aware of their roles and have agreed to participate in the project. We will disclose their roles and scope of services across any other proposals as required by Catalyst funding guidelines.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Milestone 1: Initial Development - 20,000 ADA

• User Authentication (Sign-in with Cardano wallets): 7,000 ADA
• Data Submission Interface: 5,000 ADA
• Categorization System: 3,000 ADA
• Development Team (Backend & Frontend): 5,000 ADA
• Developer hours for building initial backend API and frontend interface.

Milestone 2: Crowdsourced Verification Module Development - 25,000 ADA

• Crowdsourced Verification Module: 10,000 ADA
• Collaborative verification, discussion threads, and annotation features.
• Verification Levels: 5,000 ADA
• Implementation of layered verification process (initial scrutiny, peer review, final consensus).
• Developer Costs (Backend and Frontend): 8,000 ADA
• For coding verification modules and front-end UI adjustments.
• Testing and Feedback Collection: 2,000 ADA
• User feedback, adjustments, and bug fixing.

Milestone 3: Development of Verification and Consensus Mechanism - 30,000 ADA

• Blockchain Integration
• Cardano blockchain integration for data submission, verification logs, and transparency.
• Reputation Module
• Developing a system for ranking users based on verification accuracy.
• Verification System
• Collaborative data validation system.

Milestone 4: User Dashboard, Analytics, and Full Platform Launch - 20,000 ADA

• User Dashboard Development: 7,000 ADA
• Comprehensive dashboard for user activity and reputation tracking.
• Analytics & Monitoring Tools: 5,000 ADA
• Tracking verification trends, user engagement, and platform performance.
• Public Launch & Initial Marketing: 5,000 ADA
• Launch preparation, community engagement, and outreach.
• Platform Hosting and Maintenance (1 year): 3,000 ADA
• Server costs, domain, and security for the public platform.

Final Milestone: Project Close-Out Report and Video

Cost: 5,000 ADA

• Project Reporting (Financial and Performance Summary): 2,000 ADA
• Final Video Production: 2,000 ADA
• Professional video summarizing project outcomes.
• Project Management (Wrap-Up): 1,000 ADA
• Final project management, coordination, and reporting.

Total Budget: 100,000 ADA

This budget covers the complete development, testing, and launch of the platform, as well as the creation of documentation and community engagement necessary for a successful deployment.

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

The costs associated with this project are carefully aligned with industry-standard rates for blockchain development, ensuring that we attract skilled professionals while maintaining budget efficiency. By utilizing a lean team structure and focusing on essential roles, we maximize output while minimizing overhead. This approach ensures that every dollar spent contributes directly to the development of a high-quality, impactful platform.

Moreover, the long-term value creation for the Cardano ecosystem is significant. As an open-source project, the platform will be accessible to the entire community, enabling further innovation and development. The strategic allocation of funds towards marketing and community engagement will ensure widespread adoption, enhancing data reliability across Cardano-based applications. This not only addresses a critical need but also provides a strong return on investment for the community.