- Buenos Aires has launched QuarkID, a blockchain-based digital identity platform powered by zero-knowledge proofs (ZK proofs) to enhance user privacy
- The platform allows residents to store and manage official documents, like birth and marriage certificates, without disclosing unnecessary personal information
- The system will expand by November to include proof of income and academic credentials, with broader plans for national and international use
The Buenos Aires government has unveiled QuarkID, a digital identity platform that leverages blockchain technology to enhance privacy for its citizens. Built on the zkSync Era, QuarkID utilizes zero-knowledge proofs (ZK proofs), which allow users to verify their identity without revealing personal details. Initially, residents can store key documents like birth and marriage certificates, with plans to integrate more official credentials, such as proof of income and academic records, later this year. This marks Buenos Aires as a regional leader in blockchain-based public services.
Safer Document Management
QuarkID operates on a self-sovereign model, meaning citizens own and manage their data independently, without reliance on third parties, including the government. With this framework, QuarkID is expected to offer a safer alternative to traditional document management systems that are more vulnerable to data breaches.
The city plans to expand this project beyond Buenos Aires, eyeing potential implementation across Argentina and in neighboring countries such as Uruguay.
More Control Over Personal Data
Diego Fernandez, the city’s secretary of innovation, emphasized that QuarkID will give citizens more control over their personal data while improving the security of digital interactions with government services, stating in a press release, “This development sets a new standard for the use of blockchain technology in Latin America.”
By using ZK proofs, the system significantly reduces the risk of identity theft and other privacy violations, as only the necessary information is shared during any verification process.
QuarkID’s introduction aligns with a broader global shift toward decentralized digital identity solutions, where individuals retain full control over their personal information. This move not only strengthens privacy protections but also creates a more efficient and transparent interaction between citizens, businesses, and government bodies.
