cheqd

Hey Hackers, cheqd has been nominated in HackerNoon's annual Startup of the Year awards in London, UK. Please vote for us here: https://hackernoon.com/startups/europe/europe-london-england-uk Read more about us below to understand why we deserve your vote👇 Meet Fraser Edwards, CEO & Co-founder at cheqd cheqd (cheqd.io) is a privacy-preserving payment network that allows users and organizations to gain control and portability of their data. cheqd builds upon Decentralised Identity, Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI), and Verifiable Credentials (VCs) with payment infrastructure to create Trusted Data markets as an entirely new industry category. Put simply, you can issue credentials and get paid to do so. My Role As CEO and co-founder at cheqd, I’m tasked with – this sounds ambitious – creating an entirely new paradigm for data and a new industry category: . Trusted Data Markets are markets where data has portability, verifiable provenance, and hence, value. Trusted Data Markets By blending a privacy-preserving payment network with a , cheqd allows users and organizations to gain control and portability of their data whilst establishing clear economic benefits for all involved. decentralized/self-sovereign identity I oversee the company’s strategy and development, as well as investor and stakeholder relations. Prior to cheqd, I led a digital identity pilot for the World Economic Forum and the Dutch and Canadian governments. I also have patents together with my former colleagues in cross-ledger payments, having worked with the Singaporean and Canadian Central Banks on cross-blockchain payments. How We're Disrupting/Improving the Crypto Industry The sheer volume of data, the advent of generative AIs like ChatGPT, and a prevalence of fraud are shifting the value from generic data to “trusted data” – data that has cryptographically verifiable provenance and traceability. For individuals, this could be as low value as receipts, through gym memberships and preferences, e.g., dietary restrictions or avatar appearance, up to high trust and therefore valued items such as passports or driving licenses which could be used as re-usable know your customer (KYC) credentials. For organizations, these could be business licenses, invoices, or endorsements from other entities. Decentralized identity protocols enable the creation of trusted data. Founded in 2021, cheqd is building the infrastructure required to support “Trusted Data” ecosystems. It has created a privacy-preserving data network for trusted data owned by their users, who have selective control over how that data is shared, used, and transacted upon. cheqd provides the tools, infrastructure, and security to support a new paradigm where users are empowered at the center of their own data universe and can transact in new . Trusted Data Markets cheqd is powered by SSI, also known as a decentralized identity. It is a disruptive new technology that empowers consumers, organizations, and even objects to verify just once and prove their identities everywhere, with full ownership, portability, interoperability, and control of their data. It’s a user-centric and user-controlled approach with almost limitless applications, stretching from Banking and the Metaverse, DeFi, and Crypto Lending to Healthcare and Travel. Standing Out from The Crowd What makes us really special is that we’re the only ones focusing on the economics of trusted data and/or self-sovereign identity. As a result, by developing payments for digital credentials, we’re the first ones to create a new category – trusted data markets. While decentralized identity technology has been there for a while, it’s the economic incentives that have been missing for the trusted data market to take off. That’s why we focused our efforts on introducing payment rails for trusted data – the first project of its kind. It creates new revenue models for organizations and individuals. One can now issue credentials and get paid to do so. cheqd technology empowers consumers and businesses with full ownership, portability, and control over their data and identities. As an open-source network with an associated suite of tools, cheqd makes exchanging and paying for trusted data easy and secure. Payments for credentials underpin all cheqd offerings and is a critical element for the adoption and scaling of decentralized identity. Our Thoughts on the Data Industry in 2023 There’s definitely a shift from data to trusted data. Similarly to the point above, with the advent of the likes of ChatGPT and neural networks, the availability of data is no longer the problem, but proving its trustworthiness and credibility is the next big thing. In relation to trusted data, which would include identity data too, we also see a transition from identity verification to reputation depending on an individual’s activity. The idea that one needs to overshare their personal data to prove something is unacceptably outdated. With a decentralized identity, thanks to digital credentials, individuals can keep their identity private yet prove certain claims, such as being an admin of a certain community or proving that they’ve completed a certain course, etc. While this could be an individual’s creditworthiness or social reputation, this is especially relevant in the context of community management and protection from scammers. As we all know, one of the biggest challenges in Web3 is security. Crypto wiped out nearly $150M in a single week and created a mass-scale distrust in communities. The way to combat this issue is through trust and reputation. scams Meaning that individuals should be able to build their verifiable reputation and port it across different communities and platforms. Finally, we certainly expect wider adoption of decentralized identity solutions, given how active big tech is getting involved in the space. What word defines the state of identity data in 2023? Can’t answer with one word – I’d say, “It’s happening!” It seems the market is finally aware that decentralized identity solutions are sorely needed across a variety of use cases – from Web3 community management and reputation to high-security identity verification, such as KYC. With tech giants such as Block’s TBD, Microsoft, Salesforce, and others actively developing decentralized ID solutions, we can confidently say the time has come. The awareness is there, the technology is there; what is missing most of the time is a commercial angle – making it easy to integrate and use and beneficial for customers. That’s why cheqd is very much focused on delivering these solutions for adoption through our product suite – cheqd network and payments for credentials, Credential Service, and Creds. Why we decided to participate in HackerNoon's Startup of the Year awards HackerNoon is a great community for all things tech and Web3, and we were thrilled to be nominated as a startup of the year! We’re also in a great company as there are many other amazing projects taking part. Thanks for the nomination! Final Thoughts Data verification and decentralized identity are growing immensely, and it’s powered by a need to verify a growing number of online interactions in both Web3 and Web2 spaces. The proliferation of the likes of ChatGPT and neural networks is creating a further urgency for the trustworthiness and credibility of data. Private and secure solutions that help to verify data and enable users to be in charge of their data are required, and that’s what cheqd is building. If you managed to read that far, please make sure to vote for us today! https://hackernoon.com/startups/europe/europe-london-england-uk/

Startup Interview With Fraser Edwards, CEO & Co-founder, of cheqd, A London Startup

Cheqd's Strategic Partnerships Forge the Future of Trusted Data Economies At Paris Blockchain Week, cheqd announced its breakthrough relationships with Andromeda and Devolved AI. They will transform Trusted Data and prioritize data protection and user autonomy. Cheqd has a mission to provide individuals and businesses unparalleled control over data management and mobility via this confluence of innovations. With Web3, the company hopes to create a Trusted Data ecosystem that lets users control their data safely and privately. Andromeda's on-chain commodities, tools, and utilities are strong. Developers may create better on-chain applications than ever thanks to their decentralized operating system (aOS), which simplifies Web3 interactions. User-friendly and intuitive digital experiences may be created using this method. Devolved AI promotes a revolutionary platform for decentralizing AI ownership and management. Everyone may help develop game-changing technologies by reimagining the relationship between humans and artificial intelligence via voting systems, incentive programs, and inclusive ecosystems. Empowering Web3 Developers and Enhancing AI Trust The partnership between cheqd and Andromeda is a significant step towards providing Web3 developers with data solutions that are both safe and under the control of the user.  The integration of Andromeda with cheqd's Trusted Data Markets is expected to improve the privacy, security, and transparency of decentralized apps (dApps), therefore encouraging a Web3 user experience that is both more reliable and more satisfying. cheqd and Devolved AI have formed a collaboration, and it is believed that this cooperation will hasten the process of democratizing artificial intelligence. Using cheqd's one-of-a-kind decentralized identities (DIDs) in conjunction with Trusted Data Markets, Devolved AI intends to develop a decentralized reputation system to enhance the credibility and ethical standing of artificial intelligence models and the individuals who contribute to them. This will be accomplished by combining the two technologies. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that Cheqd is the only network that offers security for the privacy of financial transactions while simultaneously encouraging data ownership, portability, and control. A society in which the exchange of data puts a focus on safeguarding the privacy of people while simultaneously ensuring integrity is what Cheqd sees for the future. This aim is shown by Creds, the primary product of Cheqds, which provides a reputation platform that is decentralized and does not need any code to function. From inside apps like Telegram, this platform makes it possible for communities to easily cultivate trust and loyalty among its members. It simplifies the verification procedures for affiliations and reputations inside an organization, which is necessary in order to efficiently combat scams and frauds. Looking Ahead Cheqd, Andromeda, and **Devolved AI'**s partnership advances the Trusted Data economy. By sharing expertise and resources, these organizations are pioneering trustworthy data marketplaces, verifiable credentials, and decentralized IDs. The idea that we can use cutting-edge technology to boost digital transaction trust and accountability is exciting for individuals and companies. This cooperation gives trustworthy data ecosystem users additional possibilities. Don’t forget to like and share the story! Vested Interest Disclosure: This author is an independent contributor publishing via our business blogging program. HackerNoon has reviewed the report for quality, but the claims herein belong to the author. #DYOR. Cheqd's Strategic Partnerships Forge the Future of Trusted Data Economies Cheqd's Strategic Partnerships Forge the Future of Trusted Data Economies At Paris Blockchain Week, cheqd announced its breakthrough relationships with Andromeda and Devolved AI. They will transform Trusted Data and prioritize data protection and user autonomy. Cheqd has a mission to provide individuals and businesses unparalleled control over data management and mobility via this confluence of innovations. With Web3, the company hopes to create a Trusted Data ecosystem that lets users control their data safely and privately. data protection Cheqd Andromeda 's on-chain commodities, tools, and utilities are strong. Developers may create better on-chain applications than ever thanks to their decentralized operating system (aOS), which simplifies Web3 interactions. User-friendly and intuitive digital experiences may be created using this method. Andromeda Devolved AI promotes a revolutionary platform for decentralizing AI ownership and management. Everyone may help develop game-changing technologies by reimagining the relationship between humans and artificial intelligence via voting systems, incentive programs, and inclusive ecosystems. Devolved AI Empowering Web3 Developers and Enhancing AI Trust Empowering Web3 Developers and Enhancing AI Trust The partnership between cheqd and Andromeda is a significant step towards providing Web3 developers with data solutions that are both safe and under the control of the user.  The integration of Andromeda with cheqd's Trusted Data Markets is expected to improve the privacy, security, and transparency of decentralized apps ( dApps ), therefore encouraging a Web3 user experience that is both more reliable and more satisfying. dApps cheqd and Devolved AI have formed a collaboration, and it is believed that this cooperation will hasten the process of democratizing artificial intelligence. Using cheqd's one-of-a-kind decentralized identities (DIDs) in conjunction with Trusted Data Markets, Devolved AI intends to develop a decentralized reputation system to enhance the credibility and ethical standing of artificial intelligence models and the individuals who contribute to them. This will be accomplished by combining the two technologies. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that Cheqd is the only network that offers security for the privacy of financial transactions while simultaneously encouraging data ownership, portability, and control. A society in which the exchange of data puts a focus on safeguarding the privacy of people while simultaneously ensuring integrity is what Cheqd sees for the future. This aim is shown by Creds, the primary product of Cheqds, which provides a reputation platform that is decentralized and does not need any code to function. From inside apps like Telegram, this platform makes it possible for communities to easily cultivate trust and loyalty among its members. It simplifies the verification procedures for affiliations and reputations inside an organization, which is necessary in order to efficiently combat scams and frauds. Looking Ahead Cheqd , Andromeda , and **Devolved AI'**s partnership advances the Trusted Data economy. By sharing expertise and resources, these organizations are pioneering trustworthy data marketplaces, verifiable credentials, and decentralized IDs. The idea that we can use cutting-edge technology to boost digital transaction trust and accountability is exciting for individuals and companies. This cooperation gives trustworthy data ecosystem users additional possibilities. Cheqd Andromeda Don’t forget to like and share the story! Vested Interest Disclosure: This author is an independent contributor publishing via our business blogging program. HackerNoon has reviewed the report for quality, but the claims herein belong to the author. #DYOR. Vested Interest Disclosure: This author is an independent contributor publishing via our business blogging program . HackerNoon has reviewed the report for quality, but the claims herein belong to the author. #DYOR. Vested Interest Disclosure: business blogging program business blogging program

Cheqd, Andromeda, and Devolved AI: Uniting to Build a Trust-Centric Digital World

চেকড, অ্যান্ড্রোমিডা এবং ডেভলড এআই: একটি বিশ্বাস-কেন্দ্রিক ডিজিটাল ওয়ার্ল্ড তৈরি করতে একত্রিত হওয়া

Cheqd, Andromeda und Devolved AI: Gemeinsam eine vertrauenszentrierte digitale Welt aufbauen

Cheqd, Andrómeda y la IA devuelta: unidos para construir un mundo digital centrado en la confianza

Cheqd, Andromeda et l'IA décentralisée : s'unir pour construire un monde numérique centré sur la confiance

चेक्ड, एंड्रोमेडा और डेवलप्ड एआई: एक विश्वास-केंद्रित डिजिटल दुनिया बनाने के लिए एकजुट होना

Cheqd、Andromeda、Devolved AI: 信頼中心のデジタル世界を構築するために団結

Cheqd, Andromeda 및 Devolved AI: 신뢰 중심 디지털 세계 구축을 위해 통합

Cheqd, Andromeda e Devolved AI: unindo-se para construir um mundo digital centrado na confiança

Cheqd, Andromeda и выделенный искусственный интеллект: объединяемся для построения цифрового мира, ориентированного на доверие

Cheqd, Andromeda ve Devredilmiş Yapay Zeka: Güven Odaklı Bir Dijital Dünya İnşa Etmek için Birleşiyoruz

Cheqd, Andromeda và AI được phát triển: Hợp tác để xây dựng một thế giới kỹ thuật số lấy niềm tin làm trung tâm

Cheqd、Andromeda 和 Devolved AI：联手构建以信任为中心的数字世界

The rise of digital technology has brought forth incredible advancements, but it has also introduced significant challenges, particularly in the realm of trust and data integrity. In the modern digital landscape, issues such as impersonation and fraud are rampant, often exacerbated by the capabilities of generative AI technology. These problems have undermined trust in digital interactions to a worrying degree. One of the core issues in this scenario is the lack of a reliable and financially incentivized system for issuing trusted data or credentials. This gap in the digital ecosystem leaves both individuals and organizations vulnerable to deception and misuse of their data. To address this, new solutions are emerging that focus on creating verifiable credentials to establish trust and security while also offering potential for monetization. Verifiable Credentials: A Solution to Digital Trust Issues Verifiable credentials represent a groundbreaking approach to enhancing trust and security in the digital world. They provide a means for individuals and organizations to prove their identity, skills, roles, and reputations in a secure and verifiable manner. This approach is particularly relevant in the era of Web3, where the need for portable and recognized reputation data across various platforms is paramount. The concept behind these credentials is not just to create trust but also to enable the monetization of it. By integrating credentials with payment infrastructures, organizations can explore new business models and offer incentives for users to engage more deeply within their communities. The Impact of Verifiable Credentials on Communities and Trust The introduction of verifiable credentials has far-reaching implications for various sectors: In decentralized ecosystems, verifiable credentials can break down silos, allowing reputation data to be seamlessly ported and shared across different communities and platforms. This fosters more interconnected and trusted ecosystems. Web3 and Decentralized Systems: In sectors like gaming, these credentials can verify achievements and participation, adding a layer of authenticity and value to in-game items and experiences. Gaming and Entertainment: Verifiable credentials can play a crucial role in certifying contributions to social and environmental causes, thereby ensuring the integrity and trustworthiness of such initiatives. Environmental and Social Initiatives: They can also be used to facilitate community governance, enabling members to participate in decision-making processes based on verified roles or contributions. Decentralized Governance: The Future of Trusted Data Markets The development of trusted data markets, facilitated by verifiable credentials, is a significant step towards a more secure and trustworthy digital landscape. These markets incentivize the issuance of verifiable credentials, allowing both individuals and organizations to have control over their data while engaging in secure transactions. The potential global value of these markets is substantial, indicating a growing recognition of the importance of trust and integrity in digital interactions. By empowering users with control and portability of their data, and by integrating these credentials with payment systems, a new paradigm in digital trust and data economy is emerging. Creds Creator Studio In a significant development within the digital identity space, cheqd, a pioneering startup in data control and portability, has unveiled its Creds Creator Studio at the 2023 Web Summit in Lisbon. This platform represents a critical advancement in addressing one of the most pressing issues in the digital age: the rampant rise of impersonation and fraud, particularly in the era of generative AI technology. By enabling the creation of Verifiable Credentials, cheqd is offering a robust solution to bolster community trust and enhance security across various digital interactions. No-code Platform for the Future Creds Creator Studio is a no-code platform designed to simplify the process of creating and issuing Verifiable Credentials. These credentials are pivotal in establishing trust and security, as they enable users and organizations to authenticate their identity, roles, skills, and reputations in a digital context. The platform’s user-friendly interface allows for the quick customization and issuance of credentials, with the entire process from login to completion taking less than two minutes. A significant feature of Creds is its integration with cheqd's Credential Payments system. This integration is a game-changer as it allows for the exchange and transaction of creds, paving the way for new business models and monetization strategies within various communities. This feature is not just about creating trust but also about enabling users and organizations to capitalize on their reputations. Impact on Web3 and Decentralized Systems Creds breaks the traditional silos of reputation in Web3 platforms by allowing for the seamless portability and recognition of reputation data across different platforms. This capability fosters more interconnected and versatile ecosystems, enhancing trust and collaboration. Strategic Partnerships and Use Cases Cheqd's launch of Creds Creator Studio includes partnerships with key players in various sectors: Utilizing Creds for rapid verification within its Web3 ecosystem, enhancing trust in its portfolio companies. Outlier Ventures: Employing Creds to aggregate community reputations across decentralized finance platforms. Injective: Integrating Creds in its ambassador program for enhanced monitoring and rewarding of community engagement. Secret Network: Leveraging Creds for certifying ecological credits, thus ensuring trust in climate commitments. Regen Network: Implementing Creds to certify gaming achievements and verify participation in community events related to animal welfare. RescuePals: Using Creds to facilitate community gamification and governance in the Cosmos ecosystem. Kleomedes DAO: The Future of Trusted Data Markets Cheqd's research suggests that the global value of the Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) market could reach $0.55 trillion by 2026. By offering Credential Payments, cheqd sets itself apart, allowing owners of verifiable data to maintain privacy while engaging in secure transactions. The next step for Creds involves expanding into more traditional markets like gaming, loyalty, and entertainment, where the demand for Verifiable Credentials is already evident. Cheqd's Creds Creator Studio marks a significant milestone in the journey towards creating Trusted Data markets. By empowering users with control over their data and identities, and facilitating secure transactions within a privacy-preserving payment network, cheqd is at the forefront of shaping new paradigms in trusted data economies. The focus on building trust and integrity through Verifiable Credentials is not just a technological advancement but a necessary step towards a more secure and reliable digital future. Don’t forget to like and share the story!

Revolutionizing Digital Trust: cheqd's Creds Creator Studio Unveiled

বিপ্লবী ডিজিটাল ট্রাস্ট: cheqd's Creds Creator Studio উন্মোচন করা হয়েছে

Revolutionierung des digitalen Vertrauens: cheqds Creds Creator Studio enthüllt

Revolucionando la confianza digital: se presenta Creds Creator Studio de cheqd

Révolutionner la confiance numérique : le studio Creds Creator de cheqd dévoilé

डिजिटल ट्रस्ट में क्रांतिकारी बदलाव: चेक्ड्स क्रेड्स क्रिएटर स्टूडियो का अनावरण

デジタル信頼に革命を起こす: cheqd の Creds Creator Studio が公開

디지털 신뢰의 혁명: cheqd의 Creds Creator Studio 공개

Revolucionando a confiança digital: revelado o Creds Creator Studio da cheqd

Революция в цифровом доверии: представлена студия Cheqd Creds Creator

Dijital Güvende Devrim Yaratan: cheqd'nin Creds Creator Studio'su Tanıtıldı

Cách mạng hóa niềm tin kỹ thuật số: Creds Creator Studio của cheqd được ra mắt

彻底改变数字信任：cheqd 的 Creds Creator Studio 揭幕

The Ultimate Guardian: A Private and Secure Solution for Building Trust and Defending Against AI With an escalating rise in the number of artificial intelligence (AI) applications across industries, one resounding concern is the pressing need for robust security measures. It is an essential factor for businesses looking to retain client trust and foster relationships based on transparency and reliability. So, how can we harness the power of AI without becoming vulnerable to it? The solution lies in "The Ultimate Guardian," an innovative approach to AI safety and security. This private and secure solution creates a shield against AI vulnerabilities, ensuring that your business data remains confidential and your AI applications operate as they should – trustworthy and reliable. Building Trust in the AI Era Trust is the cornerstone of any relationship – be it between two people or a business and its clients. In the AI-driven era, this trust can feel fragile, with data breaches and misuse posing significant threats. That’s where our solution steps in, acting as the trust builder that reassures and convinces. "The Ultimate Guardian" works by providing a secure environment that keeps data locked away from prying eyes. It employs cutting-edge cryptography and blockchain technologies to maintain data privacy, ensuring that every piece of information stored and processed is protected against unauthorized access. Simultaneously, it offers a clear and transparent operation. Every AI decision and operation can be tracked, traced, and audited, fostering a relationship of trust with your clients. They know their data is not only secure but also handled in a fair and ethical manner. Protection Against AI: The Secure Frontier Securing your AI applications is not merely about protecting data. It also involves ensuring that the AI behaves as expected, without any unintended consequences. "The Ultimate Guardian" takes a multi-faceted approach to AI safety, covering every potential area of concern. First, it encompasses robust anomaly detection algorithms that monitor the behavior of the AI system, alerting you in real-time about any unusual patterns. It's like having a 24/7 watchdog that ensures your AI never steps out of line. Moreover, it brings a revolutionary "AI Cage" concept into play. This metaphorical "cage" confines AI operations within a defined boundary, preventing it from making unanticipated and potentially harmful decisions. Essentially, it's a mechanism to maintain control over the AI, even as it continues to learn and evolve. Empowering the Future with Secure AI In the grand scheme of things, "The Ultimate Guardian" stands as a beacon of trust and security in the era of AI. This solution delivers an array of benefits, from data protection to AI behavior control, and allows businesses to harness the power of AI with confidence. It's time to turn the page on AI-induced fears and step into a future where AI is not a risk but an ally. "The Ultimate Guardian" is your first step in that direction – offering you a reliable and secure platform to build trust and protect your business against AI. Make no mistake: the AI revolution is here, and it's transforming the business landscape. It's time for your business to capitalize on this shift and use it as a platform for growth. The question is, are you ready to embrace a safer, more secure AI-powered future? "The Ultimate Guardian" is ready to be your guide and shield in this new era. Trust it. Leverage it. And witness the transformation that secure AI can bring to your business. A World of Trust and Data Challenges In a digital age where data reigns supreme, the concept of trust has never been more critical. With the explosive growth of Web3, the challenges of security, engagement, and privacy have surged to the forefront. Enter , the pioneering start-up on a mission to create a trusted data economy. Their latest innovation, , is set to revolutionize the way we prove identity, build reputation, and establish trust in the Web3 landscape. cheqd Creds : Vested Interest Disclosure This author is an independent contributor publishing via our . Be it through direct compensation, media partnerships, or networking, the author has a vested interest in the company/ies mentioned in this story. HackerNoon has reviewed the report for quality, but the claims herein belong to the author. #DYOR brand-as-author program Community Security, Portable Trust, and Decentralized Reputation Web3 has seen its fair share of security challenges, with crypto scams wiping out millions in a week and causing mass-scale distrust in communities. aims to combat this wave of uncertainty by offering a portable, reusable, and privacy-preserving way to prove identity and ownership. Projects can now confirm personhood and reputation across platforms, thwarting impersonation, Sybil attacks, and scams. With Creds, community security becomes a rock-solid foundation for a thriving Web3 ecosystem. Creds Building Trust through Reputation Portability In the world of Web3, trust should transcend community boundaries. With , individuals can build a verifiable reputation and take it with them across diverse communities and platforms. The power to share one or a collection of credentials for verification adds an extra layer of privacy. By allowing users to prove their real identity without divulging personal information, Creds sets the stage for a new era of trust and transparency. Creds Gamifying Community Engagement The secret to user engagement lies in gamification, and Creds takes this to the next level. By adding a reputation layer to community strategy, projects can now explore incentivized quests, learn-to-earn mechanics, and unique trust systems. The result? Real engagement that creates a bond between projects and their communities. Gamification becomes the beacon that drives customer acquisition and retention, propelling projects to new heights of success. Privacy-Preserving: Creds vs. NFTs and SBTs Trust and reputation have been attempted through Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and SoulBound Tokens (SBTs) with varying levels of success. However, takes a leap forward with privacy preservation. Unlike NFTs and SBTs, Creds keep personal data off-ledger, ensuring it remains private and secure. All data is cryptographically signed and verified through decentralized identifiers (DIDs) on-chain, creating a truly trusted data economy. Creds The Grand Launch: Creds at Nebular Summit A momentous occasion, the Nebular Summit in Paris saw the grand unveiling of Creds. Attendees received verifiable credentials, allowing them to prove their presence at the event without compromising personal information. Collectable and memorable, these became cherished mementos of a momentous gathering. The launch is a testament to the potential of Creds in revolutionizing the way we perceive trust and reputation. Creds A New Paradigm of Trust and Empowerment With Creds, is shaping a new paradigm of trust and empowerment in the Web3 landscape. It's a world where data is truly owned and controlled by users and organizations. The Trusted Data economy is no longer a distant dream but a reality where privacy, security, and reputation intertwine harmoniously. As Creds paves the way for a future where trust knows no boundaries, we embark on a journey of trust and collaboration, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and transformation. Welcome to the trusted data economy - where you hold the key to your own reputation. cheqd Don’t forget to like and share the story!

Elevate Your Web3 Experience with cheqd's Creds: Building Trust and Reputation

Eleve su experiencia Web3 con Creds de cheqd: construyendo confianza y reputación

Améliorez votre expérience Web3 avec les Creds de cheqd : Bâtir la confiance et la réputation

चेक के क्रेडिट के साथ अपने वेब3 अनुभव को उन्नत करें: विश्वास और प्रतिष्ठा का निर्माण

cheqd の Creds で Web3 エクスペリエンスを向上させる: 信頼と評判の構築

Eleve sua experiência na Web3 com Cheqd's Creds: construindo confiança e reputação

Nâng cao trải nghiệm Web3 của bạn với Tín dụng của cheqd: Xây dựng niềm tin và danh tiếng

利用 cheqd 的信用提升您的 Web3 体验：建立信任和声誉

Over the last few years, rapid expansion has seen the crypto lending industry and decentralised finance (DeFi) gain traction as viable substitutes for conventional banking. Scepticism and hesitation among prospective customers are major obstacles for these cutting-edge businesses due to a lack of trust and openness. Companies like cheqd, which provide self-sovereign identification (SSI) solutions, have the potential to disrupt these industries by introducing trustworthy data, heightened security, and privacy-preserving capabilities. SSI's ability to resolve these problems is crucial to the continued development and widespread use of DeFi and crypto financing services, as it inspires trust and safety among users, service providers, and regulators. The Rise of Self-Sovereign Identity Solutions SSI solutions have been experiencing significant momentum in recent years, driven by a confluence of factors that highlight the need for enhanced digital trust, security, and user-centric identity management systems. One of the primary factors contributing to the rise of SSI is the global pandemic, which has accelerated the digital transformation across various sectors, leading to an increased reliance on digital services and remote work. This sudden shift has highlighted the need for secure and efficient identity verification systems that can operate remotely and without human intervention. SSI solutions provide a means to achieve this by giving individuals control over their digital identity and enabling them to share their data securely with service providers and other entities. Another driving force behind the rise of SSI is the increasing decentralization of technology and the emergence of Web 3.0. As we transition from a centralized, organization-centric model of the internet to a more decentralized, user-centric paradigm, SSI solutions align with this shift by empowering individuals to take control of their digital identities. In doing so, SSI can help reduce the reliance on centralized authorities and intermediaries, which have historically been prone to data breaches and misuse of personal information. The adoption of SSI by major organizations and governments serves as a testament to its potential for enhancing digital trust and streamlining processes. The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has implemented SSI in their Know Your Customer (KYC) trial as a means to improve customer onboarding processes and combat fraud. Similarly, the UK's National Healthcare Service Staff Passport and the IATA Travel Pass utilize SSI technology to secure data sharing among healthcare professionals and streamline international travel processes, respectively. facilitate The Need for Digital Trust and the Limitations of Current Identity Models The growing reliance on digital services has underscored the need for digital trust and highlighted the limitations of current identity models, which are primarily centered around organizations. These centralized models can be inefficient, costly, and highly susceptible to cyber-attacks, as by the staggering identity theft losses of $712.4 billion in the United States and £29.7 million in the UK in 2020. evidenced Critically, these traditional identity models often require users to disclose a significant amount of personal information to multiple service providers and intermediaries, increasing the risk of data breaches and identity theft. Additionally, the dependence on third-party verification and constant check-ups can lead to a cumbersome and time-consuming process for both users and service providers, negatively affecting user experience and operational efficiency. SSI offers a more secure, efficient, and privacy-preserving alternative to these centralized identity models by empowering users to take control of their digital identities. By allowing individuals to store, manage, and selectively share their personal information, SSI reduces the need for intermediaries and streamlines the process of identity verification. Pioneering Commercial Models to Revolutionize the Self-Sovereign Identity Market In recent years, the self-sovereign identity (SSI) market has been making strides in various sectors, but the lack of commercial models has hindered its widespread adoption. cheqd, a trailblazing company in the SSI market, is working to bridge this gap by creating a new data paradigm that offers commercial incentives for data issuers to release the data back to users. : Vested Interest Disclosure The author is an independent contributor publishing via our . Be it through direct compensation, media partnerships, or networking, the author has a vested interest in the company/ies mentioned in this story. HackerNoon has reviewed the report for quality, but the claims herein belong to the author. #DYOR brand-as-author program Fraser Edwards and Ankur Banerjee, the founders of cheqd, had a eureka moment while working on SSI projects at Accenture. They realized that for SSI to achieve market-wide adoption, it was crucial to make the technology more commercially viable. With this insight, the duo established cheqd to make SSI technology more accessible, pragmatic, and appealing to enterprise customers. cheqd's remarkable progress in the SSI market is evident in its numerous notable achievements. The company has partnered with over 65% of the SSI market, including industry leaders such as Danube Tech, esatus, Evernym, Spherity, Monokee, Northern Block, Umazi, walt.id, DIDx, and others. cheqd has also successfully raised $3.3 million USD and expanded its reach by joining leading industry organizations, such as DIF, ToIP, OpenWallet Foundation, and INATBA. Furthermore, cheqd has established a new working group at W3C focusing on DID-linked resources, demonstrating its commitment to shaping the future of digital identity standards and fostering collaboration within the industry. One of the company's most ambitious goals is to become the premier network for users to own, control, and transact their data in privacy-preserving data markets. By offering a privacy-preserving payment infrastructure for verifiable data and SSI, cheqd aims to empower users and transform the way digital identities are managed. With its innovative approach and strong track record, cheqd is well-positioned to drive the commercialization of SSI and unlock its full potential across various sectors, creating a more secure and efficient digital landscape for individuals and organizations alike. Don’t forget to like and share the story!

cheqd: Pioneering Trust in the Crypto Lending Market and DeFi Through Self-Sovereign Identity

Revolutionizing the Value of Data with cheqd

Speaking with builders in the crypto space, we can see that the combination of AI and blockchain technology has two sides: on the one hand, it could make blockchain much more efficient and scalable through AI; on the other, it could make market consolidation, high computing demands, and the need for cost-effective solutions more difficult. Important insights include using blockchain to improve AI's security and honesty while warning against overhyped apps that don't add value. Let's take a look at some of the differing opinions of different experts in the crypto industry. The Hype and Reality of AI-Based Tokens There's no denying the buzz surrounding AI-based tokens, and Tristan Dickinson, Head of Marketing and Communications at dYdX Foundation, believes that the actual benefits of AI are being overlooked due to a greater focus on the popular narrative of AI itself. Dickinson said "There is a lot of hype around AI-based tokens. What hype can gloss over is the underlying benefits of Artificial Intelligence. When programmed correctly, AI should bring efficiency, scalability, and advancements in blockchain capability." According to Dickinson, AI, and blockchain could work well together because they both use data and code as their base, creating an excellent environment for AI to grow. Dickinson's words also point to a future in which AI is more commonly used in blockchain, going from being a theory to being used in real projects. "Blockchain is data—and code-based, creating an ideal platform for AI to thrive. As tangible use cases take over hype cycles, we could see AI weaved into the fabric of most if not all projects; however, caution is needed," Dickinson added, further breaking down his viewpoints. However, Dickinson's cautionary note about the potential misuse of AI underscores the ethical considerations and the need for responsible deployment of AI technologies. Dickinson said, "AI can be utilized for good just as easily as people can use it for bad." As a result, ethics and good government become even more important in developing and using AI in the blockchain space and beyond. His balanced view points towards a future where AI and blockchain can work together, as long as careful control is maintained to lower the risks associated with AI's ability to be used for malicious purposes. Market Consolidation Through Network Incentives Fraser Edwards, CEO and co-founder at cheqd, illuminates the competitive landscape that AI tokens are navigating. Edwards believes that because AI models need a lot of computer power, flexible and cheap processing tools must be available for AI-based projects to grow. Edwards broke it down, saying, "For AI tokens in particular, there are forces that will consolidate the market through a fight through network incentives for providers. AI models are compute-heavy and hence require sufficient availability at scale. Furthermore, since they are compute-heavy, there is a heavy focus on optimizing for a low cost." Since cost may play a factor in the growth of AI-based projects, this could affect how these projects operate according to Edwards. "Providers themselves will naturally head where incentive and real rewards are greatest," Edwards said, continuing to say: "Hence, there will be rapid competition to collect and retain as much network power as possible through rewards and incentives while simultaneously providing cheap computing to users, meaning protocol revenues will be squeezed. There may be a drive to specialize and niche down as a network, but there will be destruction in the absence of differentiation." Edwards also draws a parallel to the early days of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, when they had to deal with a "cold start" problem, which is when a startup tries to grow in a market with few participants. "In short, it will become a classic cold start problem situation where networks or protocols need to amass as much supply-side inventory as possible in anticipation of the demand side. It will be a repeat of Uber and Lyft for AI computing, with all the incentive games being repeated," Edwards said. Finishing on a positive note, Edward expressed his belief that the market is growing and has a lot of promise, saying, "All that being said, the market is burgeoning with huge scope for growth, so this consolidation may be some ways off." Blockchain: The Antithesis and Savior of AI Scott Dykstra, CTO & Co-founder of Space and Time, a web3 data warehouse, offers a nuanced perspective on the relationship between AI and blockchain. He describes blockchain as a counterpoint and a crucial ally to AI, especially in the emerging generative era dominated by deepfakes and fraudulent content. Dykstra explained, "Blockchain is both the antithesis to AI and, conversely, the thing that it needs the most. We all know we're entering the new generative era of the internet, where fraudulent content and deepfakes can be created in seconds." "Two of the most obvious use cases for AI x blockchain are cryptographic watermarking for on-chain audit trails of content provenance and using ZK to verify the integrity of a model's training data." Dykstra continued to break it down, saying "But it's important to make a distinction between real use cases where blockchain technology is used to secure and verify AI, and protocols that are building an AI framework simply because they see the writing on the wall of where the industry is headed. However, he also distinguishes between genuine use cases and the trend of building decentralized AI frameworks for their own sake. The real value lies in delivering cost-effective and rapid AI inference to end users, a goal currently hindered by the increased costs and complexity of verifying AI models on the blockchain. "Building decentralized AI for the sake of decentralized AI doesn't necessarily provide value to the end user. At the end of the day, the end user wants the cheapest and fastest AI inference possible," Dykstra said. Dykstra also cites cryptographic watermarking and zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs as two ways to ensure the integrity of training data as an example of how AI and blockchain might work together. Dykstra said, "The challenge is that verifying AI models in production, whether using optimistic, consensus, or ZK verification methods, increases the cost and complexity of running AI inference. This piece has to be solved before we can move forward and find real adoption of blockchain as a tool for AI," Conclusion When AI and blockchain are used together, it can lead to new ideas and protocols, but it can also cause some challenges, i.e., high costs and high computing power, as mentioned by Edwards. Suppose projects focus on cost-effectiveness and scalability when installing AI models. In that case, they must balance offering incentives for network involvement and ensuring that computer resources are accessible cheaply. The ideas shared by Dickinson, Edwards, and Dykstra shed light on some of the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Exploring Various Opinions on AI in the Crypto & Blockchain Space

461 Stories To Learn About Slogging

379 Stories To Learn About Data Privacy

Introduction Who are all those people on social media? Those people who randomly like, share, comment on posts, harass and praise other people and events. The anonymous users who influence public opinion, dictate the social discourse, and even have the power to decide the outcome of elections. They could have Ph.D.’s or be children. Or their personas could be entirely fabricated by AI. It can be concluded that they are unidentifiable. Here is a spooky thought experiment for you. Imagine that you are texting back and forth with someone or reading an article online. Naturally, you’d assume that there is a human, made of flesh and bones at the other end. In actuality, however, the communication or content you receive is solely generated by an AI. Just like the fake profile photo. How could you know? To take the thought experiment one step further: How can you prove that friends you have in your network on social media are really who they appear to be? When you meet them, their faces serve as proof of identity. But in the online space, there is hardly any direct way for users to verify if a profile is in fact linked to the person it represents. Even Instagram stories, TikTok videos, or the most heartfelt Facebook postings can in theory be deepfaked. Essentially, information online cannot be trusted. Sure, right now this dilemma is more philosophical than pragmatic. However, technologies that can distort reality in online spaces are getting stronger by the day. Just imagine what they can do in 10 or 50 years. Without a bulletproof method for users to confirm people’s identity, the internet may run into a situation that resonates with “dead internet theory” — an underground, conspiracy theory that proposes the internet is “fake”, basically a gaslighting project that is almost entirely controlled by AI. [1] Bizarre as it sounds, I do believe there is a disturbing ring of truth to it. In this post, I will go over what the dead internet theory is, and how a platform-agnostic identify system built on the “trustless” web 3.0 could resolve the current problem of digital identities. Dead Internet Theory — Main Premise “Dead internet theory” had a breakthrough into mainstream media when a on the forum caught the attention of The Atlantic writer Kaitlynn Tiffany. widely read post Agora Road Macintosh Cafe The post was written by a forum member called “IlluminatiPirate” who boasts about being an “ ” (meaning an old-time member) of imageboards such as 4chan who has “ ”. In the midst of his seemingly paranoid ramblings, there are some nuggets of truth that many people can relate to. oldfag seen it all The pseudonymous forum member compiled evidence to the theory which was according to him originally written by anonymous users on 4chan’s paranormal section and Wizchan. The latter is an imageboard dedicated to male virgins past the age of 30 or “wizards” as they are called in the community. As The Atlantic writer Kaitlyn Tiffany aptly wrote, dead internet is “ ”, yet it “ ”. patently ridiculous feels true [2] The TLDR-version (meaning the abstract) of the theory is perhaps a testament to that: [3] “Large proportions of the supposedly human-produced content on the internet are actually generated by artificial intelligence networks in conjunction with paid secret media influencers in order to manufacture consumers for an increasing range of newly-normalised cultural products.” Or when IlluminatPirate describes a strange hunch he has that something is very wrong about the internet: [4] “The Internet feels empty and devoid of people. It is also devoid of content. Compared to the Internet of say 2007 (and beyond) the Internet of today is entirely sterile. There is nowhere to go and nothing to do, see, read or experience anymore. It all imploded into a handful of normalfag [5] sites and these empty husks we inhabit. Yes, the Internet may seem gigantic, but it’s like a hot air balloon with nothing inside.” The main premise of the theory I believe is somewhat accurate. A report shows that bots make up almost two-thirds of all internet traffic anno 2021. [6] Additionally, curate and prioritize the content it shows to users based on the principle of profit-maximization. In other words, social media algorithms and search engines push content that entices users to buy more products and services, and neglect content that is controversial. social media algorithms Additionally, the unfathomable amount of data processed on the internet every minute, kind of makes it all blend together. The human mind was never designed to take in, or even less sort out, in such quantities of information. Dead Internet Theory — Valid Points In the most proficient imageboard slang, the author goes on to describe why dead internet theory is real and why the internet isn’t. Some of his points are hard to follow, passages are incoherent, and at times he is clearly delusional. However, some of the arguments coincide with my own research and personal beliefs. IlluminatPirate points to the superficial and impersonal nature of online interactions: “I used to be in perpetual contact with a solid number of people across multiple sites. Across the years each and every one of them vanished without a trace.” He points out how the same content keeps reappearing over and over again: “I’ve seen the same threads, the same pics and the same replies reposted over and over across the years to the point of me seeing it as unremarkable.” I also share his belief that truly original content is suffering because large players in the entertainment industry rely on algorithms and big data analysis of consumer habits to “feed the customers”. That is often the feeling I have when I watch a new movie from Netflix Originals: “Algorithm fiction. Do you like capeshit, Anon? How about other Hollywood stuff? Music perhaps? Have you noticed how sterile fiction has become? How it caters to the lowest common denominator and follows the same template over and over again? How music is just autotunes and basic blandness? The writer’s strike never ended. Algorithms and computer programs are manufacturing modern fiction. No human being is behind these things. This is why anime looms so large — even a simple moe anime has heart because there’s actual people behind it, and we all intuitively feel this.” IlluminatiPirate also points to the dangers of deepfakes. As implied at the beginning of this post, the technology could potentially take off within the next couple of years: “Fake people. No, not NPC’s. Youtube people who talk about this or that, and quite possibly many politicians, actors and so forth may not actually exist.” Social media algorithms and search engines alike are known to customize news feeds and search results so it fits with the individual user’s likes and preferences. This customization feature results in so-called “ ” where users are constantly reaffirmed in their own beliefs and opinions. epistemic bubbles Everything the users see confirms what they already know, and people they interact with tend to wholeheartedly agree with them. People are thus exposed to a very one-sided view of the world. It creates a potentially dangerous “us vs. them”, “they are wrong, we are right”-dynamic in society. “The internet is a fast way to get info, and info is what moves the mind, and the thing is, the mind likes recognition. When the “likes” were introduced without negative feedback they created a copy-feedback subconscious, they made it so only “positive” opinions be propagated (also accepted), and in it’s way negative opinions to be obsolete. Now everyone is too cowardly to have an opinion so they copy others they like, they are more likely to follow trends and say what others said, you can also see it with the paranoia of always wanting to listen to experts.” Finally, I think one of the most interesting points to be drawn from the compilation post on dead internet theory, is the distinction between “the old web” and “the new web”. If cut to the bone, IlluminatiPirate’s basic point is that he misses the old days of the internet, and dreads what the internet has become. The same notion is shared even by the founder of the world wide web, Tim Bernes-Lee, who says that the system is failing. [7] “Creation of original content is how the internet used to work. Anonymous people were willing to express their opinions and try radical or experimental things. More truly original content, uninfluenced by bots or paid influencers, was created due to anonymity as protection against negative feedback. On the old internet, you could start anew every time you posted something.” There is indeed a conventionally accepted distinction between an “old” internet (web 1.0) and a new internet (web 2.0). The first version of the internet was read-only, while the second version allow us to upload our everyday lives to various platforms. The problem with web 2.0 is that four companies control 67% of the world’s cloud infrastructure. The large tech monopolies claim ownership of our data, and indeed of our digital identities. [8] [9] With all this in mind — how can we prove that the internet is not fake? Or to turn the question around: how can we make it real? Building a Trustless Internet Satoshi Nakamoto, the anonymous creator of Bitcoin, had an extraordinarily deep understanding of human nature. He understood that transactions between humans are based on trust. Within good reason, trusting others is usually considered to be a positive trait. However, human beings are fallible. Therefore, Satoshi Nakamoto founded Bitcoin, a monetary system based on cryptographic proof instead of trust. [10] The transactions and interactions we have with other people on the web should be based on Bitcoin’s principle of “trustlessness”. What we need is a reliable and transparent method to link people’s digital avatars to the people they are supposed to represent in real life. That would mitigate a wide array of issues such as fake spam accounts, the deliberate spread of false information, deceivable media manipulation, fraud, catfishing, cyberbullying, and trolling because people can be held directly accountable for their actions in the online space. Importantly, online identity systems have to be (a) open and (b) decentralized. The contemporary solution where you upload your personal ID to the service provider for verification does not fulfill either of those criteria. If the identity system is closed and centralized, the system owner would be able to track and monitor people’s behavior much like China’s social credit system. Therefore, online identity systems have to be built on the infrastructure of web 3.0. The key characteristic of web 3.0 is that users are in charge of their data and digital identity. Plenty of companies are already working towards this shift by building platform-agnostic identity solutions for the web that can be scaled. Notably, recognizes the importance of being able to prove your online identity in a secure way that helps you to keep your credentials and information private. They currently offer a decentralized, identity system called for organizations. Microsoft [11] Azure AD Verifiable Credentials Examples of other companies that work on decentralized, blockchain-based identity systems are , , , , and . ONTology XSL Labs Cheqd Sovrin Decentralized Identity Foundation When digital identity solutions such as these become widely used, authorization with username and password or with social identity via accounts on Google, Facebook, or Twitter will be ancient history. Instead, you will own a unique digital passport that can be authorized by a peer-to-peer network in the place of an intermediary every time you register for a new online service. You can also decide what pieces of data to make available, to whom, and under what conditions. For example, if an application is age-restricted, you can prove with your digital passport that you are above a certain age without providing any further information such as your birthday. Or if an agency is interested in using your consumer preferences for commercial or statistical purposes you can set a price for giving them access to your data. [12] [13] That is only fair. Everything we do online leaves a digital footprint. These digital footprints are picked up by monopolistic technology companies and used as lubrication for algorithms and AI. Although they have no rightful claim to extract our subtle pieces of information for free. If nothing changes, the dystopian vision of dead internet theory could eventually become true. The internet may become a twilight zone controlled by powerful, proprietary-owned AI that will continue to make great profits from our personalities, beliefs, and human qualities. Luckily, the explosion in blockchain innovation and the hype surrounding web 3.0 are raising awareness of the digital identity problem and the current lack of data ownership for internet users. Kaitlyn Tiffany (Aug 31, 2021), Maybe You Missed It, but the Internet “Died” Five Years Ago -> (13–02–2022). [1] https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2021/08/dead-internet-theory-wrong-but-feels-true/619937/ Kaitlyn Tiffany (2021), “Maybe You Missed It, but the Internet ‘Died’ Five Years Ago” -> . [2] https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2021/08/dead-internet-theory-wrong-but-feels-true/619937/ (18–02–2022). [3] https://forum.agoraroad.com/index.php?threads/dead-internet-theory-most-of-the-internet-is-fake.3011/ Ibid. [4] Normalfag: slang for average internet use [5] Barracuda (Sep 2021), Bot Attacks: Top Threats and Trends -> [6] https://assets.barracuda.com/assets/docs/dms/Bot_Attacks_report_vol1_EN.pdf (12–02–2021). [7] https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/nov/15/tim-berners-lee-world-wide-web-net-neutrality Emily Nicolle (12–02–2022), Andreessen’s Dixon Spies Riches in Web3. Others See ‘Rubbish’ -> . [8] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-02-12/andreessen-horowitz-a16z-s-chris-dixon-sees-web3-riches-others-see-rubbish?srnd=cryptocurrencies (12–02–2022). [9] https://uk.pcmag.com/old-cloud-infrastructure/131713/four-companies-control-67-of-the-worlds-cloud-infrastructure See (18–02–2022)- [10] https://i.redd.it/njml2ng9j7h81.png Quote from Azure Friday (16. August 2019), An introduction to [11] https://docs.microsoft.com/da-dk/shows/Azure-Friday/An-introduction-to-decentralized-identities George Zarkadakis, The Internet Is Dead: Long Live the Internet, pg. 49. From Werthner et. al Perspective on Digital Humanism (2022), Springer. [12] Ibid. [13] Co-published here.

Explore the Problem of Digital Identities and the Impending Doom of the Dead Internet 

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