Today, the Government of the City of Buenos Aires revealed the incorporation of QuarkID into its myBA platform, a digital identity platform for the citizens of Argentina. Buenos Aires, the capital city, is the first ever city to adopt blockchain technology and zero-knowledge cryptography in the development of self-sovereign digital identity in the world. It is establishing the new benchmark in privacy and security for digital identity management by allowing 3.6 million residents autonomy over their personal data. In this groundbreaking move, Buenos Aires becomes the first government to seat control over its citizens’ data. Starting October 2000 and 24 all users of myBA Would be issued their own decentralized digital identity, commonly known as DID.
The DIDs are kept secure by QuarkID’s wallet and will be settled on a layer two blockchain named Era, by utilizing the ZKsync technology. Buenos Aires is leading the revolutionary change in its government services by adopting the principles of Web3 – a privacy-centric digital identity on the global stage.
Ease of Use for Citizens
Without in-depth knowledge of blockchain or zero knowledge of cryptography, almost over 3.5 million citizens have had their credentials upgraded on the new myBA blockchain-based platform. This upgrade has positively impacted security and interoperability, among other benefits. Users only see a better app with new credentials, updated features, simpler navigation, shorter wait times, and fewer bureaucratic visits that need to be done in person. The upgrade also does not require any seed phrases for extra protection, given its already robust security system in place. Citizens can take care of their bureaucratic needs from the comfort of their homes by using their smartphones or computers. Starting from birth certificates and education status to tax breaks, everything can be managed under this application, providing a comprehensive approach to data.
“The incorporation of zero-knowledge blockchain technology into the city’s digital identity system is an unprecedented milestone that positions us globally as a leader and once again demonstrates that the City of Buenos Aires is at the forefront of innovation. Adopting new technologies that simplify citizens’ processes while giving them full control over their information is a fundamental step toward continuing to offer more secure and transparent digital solutions.” stated the Chief of Government of the City of Buenos Aires, Jorge Macri.
QuarkID Emphasizes Self-sovereign Identity Approach
QuarkID, which is a self-sovereign identity approach, Will now allow citizens to verify their credentials peer to peer through their mobile devices, making sure no third party can track when, how, and why a credential is being used. This is unique to the existing centralized identity platforms where governments can monitor and control how and when digital identities are accessed and verified.
The Secretary of Innovation and Digital Transformation of the City of Buenos Aires, Diego Fernandez, said, “By giving residents control over their identities, we’re not only improving privacy and security, but we’re also setting the foundation for a future where personal data ownership is a basic right, protected by advanced zero-knowledge-based cryptographic proofs.”
The open-source digital trust framework, which Quark ID utilizes, introduces a new standard for privacy transparency and security in how personal data is handled. With zero-knowledge proofs, only the essential information is disclosed, prioritizing maximum privacy while ensuring that the information remains accurate and verifiable. Individuals now have complete control over their digital credentials which are securely stored on their mobile devices and are protected through biometric encryption. The personal data are not kept in any central database and are verified on-chain, which makes them less susceptible to cyber-attacks.
Recognized as a Digital Public Good (DPG), QuarkID’s framework is open-source and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations. By making this technology accessible to municipalities, governments, and private sectors across Latin America and beyond, QuarkID is poised to scale and provide secure login solutions for citizens, unlocking numerous opportunities.
