Blockchain technology often seems like a solution in search of a problem, with many projects appearing disconnected from real-world issues. However, at Tap, we’ve grounded our use of blockchain in the core principles of the technology, and it has proven to be an effective tool.
In this article, we’ll explore how we’ve implemented the Stellar blockchain to enhance transparency and trust in data requests, particularly in the movement of personal data between individuals and organizations. If you’re curious about how we are shaping the future of privacy, read on to learn more about Tap.
Why Blockchain?
At its core, blockchain is a digital ledger that permanently records transactions or other data. Once something is recorded, it cannot be altered or deleted.
Think of blockchain as a public book where every transaction is written down for everyone to see, but none of the entries can be tampered with or erased. It’s much more than just a digital record, and while we won’t dive too deeply into the technicalities here, you can find an introductory guide if you wish to explore it further.
Why Blockchain Works for Tap
Tap’s mission is to build trust and transparency between individuals and organizations, which aligns perfectly with the functionality of a blockchain. A ledger that is immutable (unable to be changed or erased) and transparent is ideal for ensuring data transactions are clear and trustworthy.
Data, however, is a complex, intangible asset that we can’t physically touch, see, or feel. But what if we could track and audit the movement of data between organizations and their customers? What if we could create an audit trail that doesn’t reveal the actual data but simply shows when and where data has moved? This type of system could be key to creating a more transparent and accountable data economy.
How We Use the Stellar Blockchain for Trust and Transparency
Stellar is an open-source, decentralized protocol that provides a public ledger, enabling secure transactions between two or more parties. Its scalability and low cost make it an ideal solution for managing the large volumes of transactions within the data economy.
So, how does Stellar fit into Tap? When a user opens the Tap app on their device, they can submit a data request (such as a subject access request) to an organization that holds their personal data. This request is recorded on the Stellar blockchain, but no personal data is stored—only a record that the transaction occurred.
Likewise, when the organization responds with the requested data, a record of this transaction (again, without any personal data) is logged on the Stellar blockchain. This process creates a transparent trail of data requests and responses, providing a clear and tamper-proof record of when data was moved.
In keeping with our commitment to ‘Privacy by Design’, no personal data is ever placed on the blockchain. This protects the privacy of both individuals and organizations while ensuring the integrity of the data exchange process.
The simplicity of this approach is illustrated in the diagram below, which shows how Tap uses the Stellar blockchain to track data movements without compromising privacy.