Overview of privacy preserving technologies for distributed ledgers

The paper analyzes the privacy preserving problem for distributed ledgers. It provides an overview of technologies such as mixers, zero-knowledge proof algorithms, homo- morphic encryption, secure multi-party computation, anonymous signatures, and hardware solutions. Advantages and disadvantages of each technology are identified, as well as usage samples in the existing distributed ledgers. As a result, unsolved problems and prospects for further research are formulated.

Environment friendly population records system using biometric data and anonymous signatures

The fast evolution of technology allowed our society to search for ways to increase efficiency and productivity. In some domains this increase in efficiency also lead to less waste, which in turn may lead to better environment protection. Such a domain is that of population records. One way to properly identify an individual is to keep a record of his biometric data. Unfortunately this method of identification is raising a lot of concerns regarding privacy and the protection of private data. This paper proposes a method of protecting biometric data by securing it with anonymous signatures. This will allow the use of that biometric data for identification purposes only and will not link it to individuals without their personal identification card (e.g. passport, ID card, etc.). It is the authors’ belief that this method will increase the number of people to opt for biometric documents which will reduce bureaucracy and implicitly reduce the use of consumable materials thus better protecting the environment.

The dark side of e-petitions? Exploring anonymous signatures

This paper analyzes anonymous political participation in the form of e-petition signing. The purpose of this study is to increase knowledge about patterns behind anonymous e-petition signing. Since online political participation evokes an important discussion about the balance between the need for transparency on the one hand, and the right for anonymity on the other hand, it is crucial to increase our knowledge of the factors affecting citizens’ choices to remain anonymous. Using quantitative content analysis of 220 informal e-petitions on the site adressit.com in Finland, this study seeks to find possible determinants for the share of anonymous signatures. Findings indicate that the type of demand presented in the e-petition is a key factor predicting the share of anonymous signatures.