Blockchain Integration of TRUSTLEVEL's Reputation Protocol

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Dominik Tilman

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

115000

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

4

[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 build a cross-platform reputation system to assess trustworthiness and reliability of news and sources, empowering individuals and organizations to transparently build and manage their reputation.

[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 open-source license model will either be the Apache 2.0 license or the MIT license.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

Overview:

TrustLevel has already created a POC that uses our NLP model to analyze content, map it across a knowledge graph and use our analytics and algorithms to identify valuable interactions within a system, which can then be converted into reputation scores. This proposal is designed to create the MVP (ready for Testnet) for the blockchain integration to manage and store reputation scores of the TrustLevel system.

Extended Problem Statement:

In today's interconnected world, it is nearly impossible for individuals to make judgments about the trustworthiness of online sources in a reasonable amount of time. The massive improvement in AI in recent months and the resulting rapid growth in the use of AI for content creation is further intensifying this issue. In the following are presented some of today’s main challenges:

• Information Overload: The internet provides an overwhelming amount of information, making it difficult to differentiate between reliable and unreliable sources. 
• Ease of Publication: Anyone can create and publish content online without rigorous fact-checking or editorial oversight. 
• Confirmation Bias: Online platforms often use algorithms that personalize content based on users' preferences and browsing history. 
• Malicious Actors: There are individuals or groups with the intent to deceive or manipulate others by disseminating false or misleading information. 
• Lack of Accountability: The anonymity and pseudonymity allowed by the internet can make it difficult to hold individuals or organizations accountable for the information they publish.
• Limited Media Literacy: Many individuals lack sufficient media literacy skills to critically evaluate online sources and distinguish between credible and unreliable information..

Extended Solution Rationale:

The challenge is to create a system that not only captures various reputation attributes, but also ensures transparency, security and immutability, all of which are compatible with the principles of blockchain technology:

• Trust and credibility are essential elements for collaboration, transactions and engagement, and a decentralized and interoperable reputation protocol can solve these problems. 
• Our approach is to develop a Universal Reputation Protocol that, by clearly defining reputation attributes such as reliability, expertise and ethical behavior, can provide a comprehensive and nuanced representation of a person's or company's reputation. 
• Tokenization on the Cardano blockchain was chosen to ensure a decentralized and immutable ledger of reputation scores. The use of smart contracts provides an additional layer of automation and predefined rules, making the reputation system self-regulating and efficient.

Target Group:

Trustlevel engages individuals seeking trustworthy online content, content creators, and publishers. By addressing reputation challenges, it benefits users striving for credible information, while content creators and publishers gain a transparent and decentralized reputation system.

Reputation Scoring Process (POC):

To demonstrate impact, the existing POC employs a three-step reputation scoring process. Content Quality Score (CQS), Content Categorization, and Reputation Calculation are showcased on Github. The POC is currently being further developed for the SingularityNET ecosystem. Feel free to reach out on our website for a demo.

As of December 6th 2023 the POC includes the following three step to calculate a reputation score:

1. Content Quality Score (CQS)

We use our NLP-Model to create a CQS for each content.

• Currently a mix of Sentiment, Objectivity, Clickbait and Metadata analysis
• The demonstration can be found on Github: https://github.com/TrustLevel/Content-Quality-Score
• Public launch on SingularityNET in December 2023 (as of writing this proposal, it’s already on the Testnet) as part of the following funded proposal: https://deepfunding.ai/proposal/trustlevel-integration-into-snet-ai-marketplace/

2. Content Categorization 

We use different AI Classifiers to tag and categorize content and a Knowledge Graph to visualize and represent the data.

• We differentiate between 20 different news categories (IPTC Classifier) , 7 different content tags (news report, opinion, tweet, etc.) and a ‘Named Entity Classifier' to extract mentioned locations as part of this proposal: https://deepfunding.ai/proposal/unique-knowledge-graph-for-source-and-content-reliability/
• The Knowledge Graph demonstration and sample dataset can be found on Github: https://github.com/TrustLevel/Knowledge-Graph-for-Source-and-Content-Reliability

3. Reputation Calculation 

In the POC this step is done manually.

• We use the CQS to calculate domain specific reputation scores (depending on category, tags, named entities) for content creators and publishers
• A demonstration can be found here as well: https://github.com/TrustLevel/Knowledge-Graph-for-Source-and-Content-Reliability

Smart Contract Design (MVP):

The MVP of the blockchain integration will utilize the Cardano Blockchain as the foundational layer for recording reputation scores. The smart contracts define rules and logic for the reputation protocol to facilitate the scoring mechanism and attribute updates.

• Storing reputation scores: the smart contracts store the reputation values associated with users or categories. 
• Updatable reputation scores: Smart contracts allow reputation scores to be updated. 
• Integration with TrustLevel backend: The connection of the smart contracts and the TrustLevel backend enables reputation scores to be retrieved and displayed to users, and feedback or other relevant data to be submitted that may affect reputation scores.
• Event logging and transparency: The smart contracts log relevant events, such as reputation score updates or user interactions. This ensures transparency and traceability of reputation-related activities on the blockchain. 

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

Value to the Cardano Community:

• Improved reputation system: 
• By implementing our universal reputation protocol on the Cardano blockchain, we are addressing a critical need in the digital space, as a decentralized and interoperable reputation system can significantly improve trust and credibility in online interactions. This can also help to establish Cardano as a platform for Dapps with integrity.
• Positive impact on Cardano adoption: 
• A robust reputation system can improve trust in users and participants within the Cardano network, promoting wider adoption and usability. This will also help to promote various applications and services and further strengthen Cardano's position as a leading blockchain platform.
• Community governance: 
• As the Cardano community grows, the TrustLevel system can become a valuable component for various use cases for the functioning governance of Cardano and Catalyst. 

Measurement of Impact:

• User Adoption (quantitative): Number of active users, number of TrustLevel API requests
• User Satisfaction (qualitative): Gather feedback and aim for a user rating of 4 out of 5 or higher; track development of user engagement

Sharing Outputs:

• Website: Create a dedicated subpage for easy access to relevant documents, links, and reports.
• GitHub: Document every step and output in a dedicated GitHub repository.
• Monthly Feedback Sessions: Conduct regular sessions for community interaction and feedback.
• Official Monthly Catalyst Reporting: Share activity board, developer sprint velocity, and updates on budget/timeline during monthly reports.

[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?

1. Team Capabilities:

Our team has proven its experience in various projects, especially in the areas of natural language processing (NLP), AI/ML and blockchain integration / smart contract development. 

2. Track Record and Trustworthiness:

Our team members have been actively engaged since Fund 3 in Project Catalyst. We have been involved in multiple funded projects. All proposals are either successfully delivered or on track.

3. Fund Management:

We will use Dework to manage and track the progress of our proposal. This will also include a transparent overview of the received payments from the treasury and the payment to our team

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

We propose a four-month timeline for implementation of all milestones, assuming a start date of March 1, 2024.

Blockchain Integration (8 weeks) 

Phase 1: Design and Smart Contract Planning (Weeks 2)

• Design smart contracts that align with TrustLevel's reputation scoring system.
• Definition of the contract structure, functionalities, and required data models.

Phase 2: Smart Contract Development (Weeks 3-7)

• Writing the smart contract code.
• Definition of functions, tx, validations and conditions.
• Compile and deploy the smart contract code to the Cardano testnet for testing and verification.

Phase 3: Additional Time and Refinement (Week 8)

• This sprint serves as a buffer or catch-up sprint to address any remaining tasks, bug fixes, or refinements that couldn't be completed within the previous sprints. We prioritize any open tasks or issues based on their urgency and impact on the project.

Output:

• Completed design documentation for smart contracts.
• Compiled and deployed smart contract code on the Cardano testnet.
• Code repository on GitHub with version control.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Smart contract code passes initial testing on the Cardano testnet.
• Code repository accessible for review and collaboration.

TrustLevel Backend Integration (4 weeks) 

Phase 1: Backend Integration (Weeks 9-11)

• Identification of interaction points between the backend and smart contracts
• Connection of the TrustLevel backend and the deployed smart contracts.
• Implementation of the API to facilitate communication between the backend and smart contracts.

Phase 2: Functional Testing (Week 12)

• Conducting thorough integration testing to ensure correct interaction between the backend and the blockchain.
• Performing functional testing to verify key functionalities related to the blockchain integration.
• Test scenarios such as user profiles, content submission, reputation scoring, and data retrieval.

Output:

• Implemented API for seamless communication between the backend and blockchain.
• Conducted thorough integration testing.

Acceptance Criteria:

• API functionalities tested and verified.
• Integration testing results demonstrate correct interaction.

MVP Deployment (4 weeks) 

Phase 1: MVP Onboarding (Week 13-14)

• Onboarding of pilot participants, providing them with necessary instructions, access credentials, and support.
• Deployment of a dedicated environment for the pilot phase
• Gathering data on content submissions, reputation scores, user feedback, and blockchain interactions.

Phase 2: Evaluation and Iterative Improvements (Week 15-16)

• Analysis of collected data, user feedback, and overall system performance during the pilot phase.
• Implementation of updates and refinements to the TrustLevel system, addressing identified areas for improvement.
• Conduct final testing and validation to ensure the system functions as expected.
• 
  

Output:

• Deployment of a dedicated environment for the pilot phase.
• Analysis of collected data, user feedback, and system performance.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Final testing results confirm the system functions as expected.

Project Completion

• Cost: $1.000
• Timeline: Week 15
• Outputs: This final milestone includes all close-out and project completion activities. Outputs will include a project completion video and the completion report. Additionally we can demonstrate all deliverables and outputs in a town hall meeting.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Completed and submitted close out video
• Completed and submitted close out report

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

• Dominik Tilman: 

Role: Project Lead and Architecture

Experience: Founder of TrustLevel and Conu21, 15+ years experience in innovation management and company building.

Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominikstumpp/

• Josef Rossa: 

Role: Backend Integration

Experience: 10+ years experience in software development (fullstack)

Links: https://gitlab.com/josros; https://www.linkedin.com/in/josef-rossa-213137115/

• Hinson Wong:

Role: Smart Contract Development

Experience: 5+ years experience in blockchain development

Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hinsonwong/; https://github.com/sidan-lab

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

Milestones-based budget breakdown Google Spreadsheet:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1R3omjnL3QldrJy2CxGpQaegX4AiNtg8Fg3tjGovkEb0/edit?usp=sharing

Milestone 1: Blockchain Integration (8 weeks)

• Phase 1: Design and Smart Contract Planning (Week 1-2)
• Design Documentation: $5,000
• Phase 2: Smart Contract Development (Weeks 3-7)
• Smart Contract Development: $10,000
• Code Deployment and Testing: $5,000
• Phase 3: Additional Time and Refinement (Week 8)
• Buffer Sprint: $5,000
• Total for Milestone 1: $25,000

Milestone 2: TrustLevel Backend Integration (4 weeks)

• Phase 1: Backend Integration (Weeks 9-11)
• API Implementation: $10,000
• Phase 2: Functional Testing (Week 12)
• Integration Testing: $4,000
• Total for Milestone 2: $14,000

Milestone 3: MVP Deployment (4 weeks)

• Phase 1: MVP Onboarding (Weeks 13-14)
• Onboarding and Data Gathering: $3,000
• Phase 2: Evaluation and Iterative Improvements (Week 15-16)
• Analysis and System Updates: $2,000
• Final Testing and Validation: $1,000
• Total for Milestone 3: $6,000

Final Milestone (1 week)

All close-out and project completion activities: $1.000

Overall Budget: $46,000

Calculated with 1 ADA = 0.4 USD

Total Budget: 115.000 ADA

1. Milestone: 62.500 ADA
2. Milestone: 35.000 ADA
3. Milestone: 15.000 ADA
4. Milestone: 2.500 ADA

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

• Alignment with industry rates:
• Our project costs and rates reflect competitive rates for freelancers in Western countries, taking into account the full extent of employment overheads.
• Team skills and influence:
• Our pricing is calculated based on the hours required for each milestone to ensure fair compensation for the talent involved.
• Transparency and risk mitigation:
• Transparency is key; our budget breakdown demonstrates responsible financial management.
• As a team, we willingly accept the currency risk of being paid in ADA, demonstrating our commitment and adaptability in a dynamic cryptocurrency environment. A decrease in the ADA price is a risk we bear, while any increase allows us to expand the scope.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agrees to Fund 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