Midnight and Atala PRISM: Secure Identity for Violence Victims

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

David Tacuri

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

Individual

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Fernando Yánez

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

142800

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

12

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

Yes

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

Our solution uses Midnight to securely store violence cases and Atala PRISM to manage victims' verifiable digital IDs, ensuring safe access to services while protecting privacy and data sovereignty.

[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 completely open source

[METADATA] Horizons

Identity & Verification

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Problem Context:

Gender-based / domestic violence and other forms of violence affect millions of people worldwide, many of whom are in extremely vulnerable situations. Victims of violence often lack access to secure and accessible identification mechanisms, leaving them exposed to greater risks. This issue is particularly severe in environments where abusers control or withhold identity documents, or when the victims are migrants without legal status, limiting their ability to access essential services such as shelters, healthcare, legal protection, and social support.

The lack of a secure system to manage the identities of victims also endangers their privacy, as they may be exposed to identity theft or personal information breaches, worsening their situation. Without an effective way to validate their identity safely, victims face significant barriers in breaking free from cycles of violence and accessing the help they need.

Proposed Solution:

To address the problem of identifying victims of violence using Cardano, Midnight, and Atala PRISM technologies, we propose an integrated solution that protects the identity of victims while improving their access to essential services. Our solution includes the following components:

1. Secure and Decentralized Registration on Cardano Blockchain: We will use the Cardano blockchain to create a decentralized and immutable record of the victims' identities and status. This record cannot be altered without network consensus, ensuring data integrity. Victims will be able to control their data without relying on centralized entities.
2. Identity Protection with Midnight: Midnight, a data confidentiality platform built on Cardano, will ensure that victims' personal information remains private. Sensitive details such as victims' identities and legal situations will be securely stored, and only authorized parties will have access to this information under specific conditions, using smart contracts.
3. Verification and Authentication with Atala PRISM: Atala PRISM will allow victims to have a verifiable digital identity without relying on centralized authorities. This sovereign digital identity will facilitate access to essential services such as medical or legal assistance without the need for physical documentation that could be withheld or destroyed by the abuser.
4. Controlled Access to Records: Midnight's smart contracts will enable controlled access to the information stored on the blockchain. Only legal authorities or accredited health services will be able to access this information under the victim’s explicit authorization.
5. Traceability of Assistance and Reports: The blockchain will provide a transparent and secure system for recording the history of reports and the support provided to victims. This history will only be visible to authorized parties, ensuring confidentiality.

Technical diagram

Who will your project involve?

• Victims of violence: They will be the primary beneficiaries, with access to secure and controlled digital identities.
• Support organizations: Shelters, healthcare services, and legal aid will use the platform to validate and protect the victims' identities.
• Governments and legal authorities: They will use the technology to improve protection and response mechanisms for victims.
• Cardano Community: Blockchain developers and experts will be involved in the system’s design, implementation, and continuous improvement.

How will you demonstrate or prove your impact?

We will measure the impact through:

• Adoption statistics: Number of victims using the platform to access support services.
• Faster access to resources: Data showing how quickly victims can access essential services using the platform.
• Barrier reduction: Surveys to assess victims' perceptions of safety and the solution’s effectiveness.
• Success stories: Testimonials from victims who have used the system to protect their identities and access help.

What is unique about your solution, who will benefit, and why is this important for Cardano?

Our solution is unique because it integrates Midnight for privacy protection and Atala PRISM for sovereign identity verification. This provides a secure and decentralized approach for victims of violence, support organizations, and governments, giving them a reliable tool to protect identities and ensure the authenticity of the services provided.

For Cardano, this project is significant because:

• It demonstrates how blockchain technology can solve real-world problems, particularly in areas of justice and human rights.
• It strengthens the adoption of Midnight and Atala PRISM in social solutions.
• It promotes the growth of the Cardano ecosystem by showing its capacity to empower vulnerable populations and protect essential rights.

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

Our solution will demonstrate how Cardano's technology has enormous social value by addressing a critical problem: the protection of victims of violence. The positive impact for the Cardano community lies in showing that this technology not only applies to financial sectors but can also contribute to a more just and safer society. By using Midnight and Atala PRISM, we are creating a model that enhances the privacy, security, and accessibility of vulnerable individuals. This reinforces Cardano's reputation as a platform that promotes social well-being and decentralized innovation, helping to build a better society.

How will you measure this impact?

Since we are creating a POC (proof of concept), the initial impact will be measured based on technical validation and feedback from stakeholders. This will include:

• Technical validation that the solution can guarantee the privacy and security of identities on the blockchain.
• Pilot tests with foundations or organizations to evaluate the solution's viability and gather feedback on its functionality.
• Surveys and interviews with POC participants to assess the perceived utility and potential impact.

How will you share the results and opportunities that arise from your project?

We will share the POC results through:

• Presentations at human rights and victim protection events, where we will discuss the outcomes and lessons learned.
• Collaboration with foundations and non-profit organizations, inviting them to participate in future development phases if the POC proves successful.
• Public reports to the Cardano community and the blockchain ecosystem, highlighting the achievements of the POC as well as opportunities for future adoption or expansion of the project.

[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?

Our ability to deliver this project with high levels of confidence and responsibility is based on solid educational and technical experience:

Blockchain Education Experience: We have organized over 20 educational events in Ecuador and Paraguay, where I have taught fundamental blockchain concepts and the specific features of Cardano, including Project Catalyst. These events have had a significant reach, involving students and professionals from various sectors, and have facilitated the early adoption of blockchain in these regions.

Technical Experience: I am a developer with over 10 years of software development experience and solid technical expertise in blockchain, which allows me to understand and apply the necessary technologies for creating a gamified educational platform. Additionally, I have led the development of projects involving the integration of smart contracts and dApps on the blockchain.

Team Experience: We have an experienced and competent team that possesses in-depth knowledge of blockchain technology, electoral systems, and computer security. In addition, we have the endorsement of some Atala Pioneer members, which adds additional value to our experience and knowledge.

Funded Catalyst Projects: I currently have two proposals funded by Project Catalyst that are in progress, demonstrating my ability to manage complex projects, meet established deadlines, and deliver high-quality results.

High-Quality Documentation and Products: All materials and products generated in these projects have detailed and high-quality documentation, ensuring that the community can fully benefit from the resources and continue contributing to the ecosystem's development and growth.

Establishment of Accountability Mechanisms: We will implement clear accountability mechanisms at all stages of the project; both the source code and the documentation will be 100% available to the community.

Validation of Approach Feasibility: To validate that our approach is feasible, we will implement the following strategies:

Rapid Iteration and Feedback: During the development of the educational game, we will apply an iterative development cycle, releasing beta versions of the product to select groups of users to gather early feedback and adjust our approach based on user needs.

Collaboration with the Cardano Community: We will ensure that our content aligns with the latest advancements of Cardano through ongoing collaboration with the community and key developers. This will also allow us to validate that we are creating a valuable and relevant resource for community members.

Technical Testing and Usability Evaluations: We will validate the technical capabilities of the platform through rigorous testing that will assess both user experience and technical performance, ensuring the final product is robust, scalable, and accessible.

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

Deliverables:

• Detailed Project Plan: Development of a plan that includes objectives, scope, resources, schedule, and identified risks.
• Project Team: Formation of a dedicated team for the project, with designated roles and responsibilities.
• Stakeholder Identification: Identification of key stakeholders such as victim support foundations, human rights organizations, etc., and their roles in the process.
• Needs Definition: Establishing the needs of the stakeholders.

Expected Goals:

• Establish a solid foundation for the project through careful planning.
• Form a committed and trained team to execute the project.
• Identify the key stakeholders and their needs.
• Define the governance lines of the new ecosystem, including actors, concerns, and needs.

Progress Indicators:

• Number of key stakeholders identified.
• Number of meetings held with stakeholders.
• Number of required documents (gathered requirements).

Deliverables:

• User Interface Design: Design the screens for each role involved in the process.
• Platform Architecture: Define the technological structure required to implement and operate the solution, including the selection of software and hardware components, and integration with Atala PRISM.
• Functional System: Development and implementation of the platform that will allow for the registration and management of victims of violence.

Expected Goals:

• Deliver a functional and secure platform for the registration and management of victims of violence.
• Establish solid integration with Atala PRISM.

Progress Indicators:

• Number of lines of code published in the GIT repository.
• Successful operational tests of the system for the registration and management of victims of violence.
• Successful interoperability with Atala PRISM.

Deliverables:

• POC for the Registration and Management System for Victims of Violence: Development of the proof of concept of the platform.
• Integration with Atala PRISM: Successful integration of Atala PRISM into the platform to ensure data security and verifiability.
• Comprehensive Testing: Conduct system and integration testing for the operation of the POC of the registration and management platform for victims of violence.

Expected Goals:

• Achieve a functional proof of concept for the registration and management platform for victims of violence, with successful integration of Atala PRISM.

Progress Indicators:

• Number of lines of code published in the GIT repository.
• Successful integration with Atala PRISM.
• Positive results from system and integration tests.

Deliverables:

• Proof of Concept: Complete the proof of concept for the registration and management system for victims of violence.
• Technical Documentation: Provide detailed technical documentation.
• Source Code: Updated and documented source code of the proof of concept.

Expected Goals:

• Present the results of the proof of concept.
• Showcase the proof of concept of the platform.

Progress Indicators:

• Final report.
• Video presentation of the proof of concept.

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

Roberto Cerrud:

Blockchain lead developer (Atala)

Plutus Pioneer, Atala Pioneer Program. 18+ years of experience as a developer. 25+ years of experience in technical support and DevOps. 8+ years of experience in mining, and extensive knowledge of blockchain technologies.

Currently teaches Haskell and Plutus Cohorts in Emurgo Academy.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertojcerrud/

David Tacuri

Lead Full Stack Developer

David has extensive technical expertise in blockchain technology and a deep understanding of various programming languages and databases. He has applied his skills across multiple sectors in Ecuador. As a passionate advocate for blockchain, David has conducted numerous presentations on blockchain and Cardano at schools and universities in Ecuador and Paraguay.

Due to his background, David has strong and fluid relationships with foundations that work with vulnerable populations, as well as with international organizations supporting victims and various country embassies.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-patricio-tacuri-lema-256a08b1/

Fernando Yánez

Full Stack Developer

Fernando is an experienced developer with a strong background in multiple programming languages. He has led and contributed to numerous technology projects across various industries, taking on roles such as developer, team leader, and project manager.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernando-y%C3%A1nez-burbano/

David Quintanilla

Software Engineer / AI Engineering / Full Stack Developer

David Quintanilla has contributed to several projects and is a distinguished software developer with knowledge in artificial intelligence.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-quinta/

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

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

The costs listed are proportional to the average wage and typical rates in the blockchain development industry, particularly in Latin America, where this project will be executed. Our decision on the budget is based on:

• Industry-standard freelance rates for blockchain developers, system architects, and user interface designers in the region.
• The operational costs of integrating technologies like Atala PRISM and Midnight, which require a highly skilled technical team to ensure robust security and privacy protocols.
• Local rates for technical testing, project management, and legal compliance, ensuring that all stages of the project align with international best practices while being cost-efficient in the local context.

Key Value Points for Cardano:

1. Social Impact: This project showcases how Cardano's technology can solve real-world problems, particularly in the context of human rights and social welfare, by offering a solution to protect victims of violence.
2. Technology Adoption: By integrating Midnight and Atala PRISM, this project promotes the use of Cardano's privacy and identity solutions, fostering their adoption in social and governmental projects.
3. Sustainability: The project has the potential to scale across other regions and countries facing similar issues, increasing the visibility and utility of Cardano in solving global challenges.
4. High-Quality Deliverables: Our team's extensive experience in blockchain, combined with previous successful Catalyst-funded projects, ensures that we will deliver a well-documented, high-quality solution that benefits the entire Cardano ecosystem.