Buenos Aires Government Rolls Out Decentralized Digital Identity Protocol Using Matter Labs’ zkSync Era Rollup
The Buenos Aires government is taking a significant step towards embracing blockchain technology by introducing a decentralized digital identity protocol in partnership with Matter Labs’ zkSync Era rollup. This move positions Buenos Aires as the first city in Latin America and one of the pioneers globally to integrate this innovative technology.
Based on a system called QuarkID, the program allows Buenos Aires citizens to download the QuarkID wallet starting in October. With this wallet, residents can access key personal identification documents like birth and marriage certificates. Notably, users will have complete ownership and control over their data, enabling them to determine how they interact with public services using their certificates.
The decentralized digital identity protocol leverages Matter Lab’s ZK rollup, zkSync Era. By utilizing blockchain as a settlement layer, QuarkID ensures the security and immutability of these important documents. The system verifies the accuracy of each user’s document using zero-knowledge proofs, providing robust validation and protection against fraudulent activities.
Diego Fernandez, the Secretary of Innovation for the Buenos Aires City Government, praised this pioneering development. He stated, “With this development, Buenos Aires becomes the first city in Latin America, and one of the first in the world, to integrate and promote this new technology and set the standard for how other countries in the region should use blockchain technology for the benefit of their people.”
The Buenos Aires government has ambitious plans to implement further advancements with QuarkID in the coming months. In November, proof of income and certificates of academic attendance will go live, offering citizens the necessary documentation for claiming benefits. Moreover, the government aims to sign up 2.5 million citizens to utilize QuarkID wallets and plans to share its anticipated roadmap by the end of the year.
Omar Azhar, Head of Business Development at Matter Labs, expressed excitement over the initiative, stating, “We’re excited to be part of this initiative that sees the first major country push a digital ID solution to its citizens. The City of Buenos Aires is leading the way with this innovation and setting an important precedent in the region.”
Through its partnership with Extrimian, a Buenos Aires-based startup, the Buenos Aires government is paving the way for widespread adoption of decentralized digital identity protocols. This technological advancement promises increased efficiency, security, and individual control over personal identification documents. As Buenos Aires takes the lead, other cities and countries in the region should follow suit, harnessing the potential of blockchain technology for the greater benefit of their citizens.
