A Passive Interface Pair (DID)

White Paper for project with a detailed description and context:

Trusting the Trustless: Extending Sovereignty through a Passive Interface.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1n9KN5dY3XXFmbjf9XKte93s8JAworKnC/view?usp=drivesdk

Note: "Trustless" is a reference to descriptions used when describing cryptographic-based governance structures created using smart contracts or other automated processes. They do not require you trust a human to carry out agreed upon terms. Human communities create the terms of the governance. They are then implemented via machine processes. 

A Paired Device: The Passive Interface and Reader

The Passive Interface and Reader comprise a unique method to validate the identity of a sovereign individual, resulting in the creation of a DID, (Decentralized Identity). This DID, or proof of identity allows the individual to securely connect to the Cardano Blockchain and perform transactions. These transactions are of multiple types, including web3 transactions.

It is available in remote or rural areas, where there may be little or no internet service. It is not intended to replace biometric DID solutions, but merely offers an alternative that may be useful as the user-base of Cardano expands. It also provides a basis for empirical research to consider what we may gain by shifting our focus away from legacy screen-based methods of interface. 

The Passive Interface

The Passive Interface in this iteration, can be defined as a tactile physical object that requires no active electronic circuitry to function. It can be worn or held, and is in possession of the User. It does not require the use of a cell phone or other networked connection.

For those familiar with blockchain, it is in a sense like a hardware wallet, which stores information needed to perform transactions. Only it is not an active device. It can not be altered through environmental changes. It has no batteries. It is not useful for the perpetrator if stolen. There is no seed phrase. It only has purpose for the owner of it—the physical human being—and it fits within their cultural system of reference. It is not meaningless to those who created and possess it. It is not designed to be disposable. It is like a fossil. Over time, its meaning persists

If blockchain transactions are immutable, (have an indelible persistence):

An Object, such as a Passive Interface becomes a parallel trace of immutable history.

The Reader

The Passive Interface is paired with a unique DNA validation method, which is the Reader of the information stored within it. .

These two components, work together, to validate a user, and then provide access to the blockchain, in remote or rural areas, where there may be little or no internet service. It is not intended to replace biometric identifier solutions, but merely to offer an alternative solution as the user-base of Cardano expands.

The Passive Interface/DNA validation pair provides a safe and secure DID which minimizes the exploitation of online biometric ID validation schemes which can be used for other surveillance interests and violation of privacy. This is of great concern to indigenous communities and is becoming an increasing concern for the broader population. These online biometric methods are often seen as prohibitive when considering engaging on blockchain.

Research Opportunity: Moving away from the Screen-based interface

This research and development opportunity provides a basis for empirical studies, to consider what we may gain by shifting our focus away from legacy screen-based models of interface. And it opens the door to explore recent scientific discoveries in material science and mathematics which provide new insights for connecting our physical being to data, without storing it in a manner which creates unintended opportunities for surveillance or the invasion of privacy by centralized authorities.

It emerged through the practice of an open laboratory concept, which is an exchange of ideas, and open thinking which build upon discovery from multiple human beings, spanning multiple disciplines, engaging in synchronistic exchanges.More on this in the white paper.

How I am addressing the challenge question?

The challenge states that a proposal can include DID solutions other than the Atala PRISM biometric-based solution. My solution presents an alternative, and could not be understood fully without being considered within the context of the Atala PRISM or other biometric DID solutions. I carefully read the language of the challenge. And chose carefully when placing it here.

Considering the language of the Challenge:

Begin quote from challenge:

Propose a means or way to drive mass-scale adoption of DID usage as an easy-to-use onramp to the Cardano ecosystem (preferably Atala PRISM when released). This can include any method that will offer users or entities a decentralized ID to start defining their digital self-sovereignty.

(Note from proposer: using preferably rather than must use leaves it open for proposers to include any method, as stated in the last sentence above)

While we prefer to support Atala PRISM's instantiation of DID, this is more about building ideas and concepts that require DID to draw users to the Cardano platform. And since PRISM is building to the open standards, those are available for anyone to imagine possibilities and offer proposals.

Note from proposer: again the use of prefer but clearly not requiring the use of Atala PRISM, and explicitly stating this is about building ideas and concepts that draw users to the Cardano platform.

My proposal would help many communities—who are not familiar with the language of screen-based interface, who may intentionally not have smart phones or screen-based devices, or access to the internet— a means to access the Cardano platform with little to no cost. It allows for different cultures and ancestral histories to be supported without forcing them to learn a screen-based language which may go against their ancestral or cultural beliefs. And hopefully we who are fluent in this language can learn from testing this type of engagement.

And as mentioned above, it alleviates concerns for the exploitation of online biometric DID validation, which may be exploited for unnecessary surveillance and intrusion of privacy.

End quote from challenge

Bio of Proposer:

https://nfold.net/contact-and-about/

Additional References on Research:

This biosensor research, inspired by a 160 year old theory of light, may be useful for this Passive Interface/DNA Reader application. https://phys.org/news/2019-09-eminent-scientist-year-old-theories-aid.html

3, 6, 12 Month Benchmarks

3 month Benchmarks:

Develop team

• Hire developer to assist  with  programming Passive Interface Reader.

• Partner with material scientist to explore biosensor development which may be useful for these devices. As mentioned in article below. And in white paper.

Additional Goals:

• establish relationship with engineer at DNA sequencing partner, (already identified). 
• work with geneticist to identify best portion of genome for this application. 
• purchase hardware for DNA sequencing and single board computer for Reader. 
• Submit Test of material and digital file (created with Rino software, for Ceramic Passive Device, to 3D Technical Printing service, 

6 month Benchmarks:

• 3D print test Passive Interface with valid hash of DNA genome sequence.
• Build case for Passive Interface Reader
• Work with Develoer to integrate Reader solution with community Node on Raspberry PI. 
• work with Developer to program communication solution between community Node and Cardano Wallet solution.on blockchain..

12 month Benchmarks:

• Test passive Device design and creation with populations who are not versed in screen based language. 
• Test usefulness of entire system with multiple communities and diverse histories, 
• Document outcome of user testing. 
• Make adjustment to design based on feedback from testing phase. 
• Present experience to public for discussion and teaching purposes, 
• Find space for Open Laboratory/Observatory for future exploratory interface projects between those in the humanities and those in the sciences. 

Public launch date:

September 2022 

Funding

$27,000 which includes:

• $5000 for hardware for Reader Device, and Genome Sequencing Device.
• $10,000 for salary for contracting developers.
• $5000 for 3D printing experiments and tests.
• $3000 for travel expenses to test device in remote locations. And bring individuals from remote communities to the lab. 
• $1500 for consulting fees with scientists. 
• $1500;for documentation, and public presentation at Town Hall or similar Venue in Seattle. 
• $250 for miscellaneous unexpected costs.