In a groundbreaking move, Buenos Aires has launched a blockchain-powered decentralized digital identity system for its 3.6 million residents. The city’s government is leveraging the QuarkID protocol, integrated into its miBA platform, to enhance data privacy and security using zero-knowledge cryptography.
The implementation began on October 1, 2023, allowing users of the miBA platform to access decentralized digital identities (DIDs). This innovative system, powered by ZKsync Era, a scaling protocol for Ethereum that utilizes zero-knowledge rollups, ensures that citizens have more control over their personal data when interacting with government services.
According to the Buenos Aires government, the new system is designed to set a higher standard for digital identity management, improving privacy and security for residents. With QuarkID, developed by Web3 firm Extrimian, the platform allows citizens to manage their credentials autonomously, giving them control over how and when their data is used.
Diego Fernández, Buenos Aires’ Secretary of Innovation and Digital Transformation, emphasized the broader potential of blockchain technology beyond financial services. “This initiative showcases how blockchain can revolutionize government services by empowering citizens to securely own their data,” he said. The city has also recently announced plans to integrate key documents like birth and marriage certificates onto the blockchain, further expanding the scope of digital governance.
This is part of Buenos Aires’ larger strategy to modernize its services using blockchain technology. In 2023, the city began placing official documents like income proof and academic records on-chain, aiming to streamline access and enhance data security. By giving residents more control over their identities, Buenos Aires is creating a digital infrastructure that prioritizes privacy and transparency.
The QuarkID wallets ensure self-sovereign data storage, allowing users to interact seamlessly with government bodies, businesses, and individuals. This empowers residents not only to securely manage their digital identities but also to experience a future where personal data ownership is recognized as a fundamental right, protected by cryptographic zero-knowledge proofs.
In addition to these identity solutions, Buenos Aires has extended its blockchain efforts into education. In August 2023, the city introduced Ethereum training into high school curricula, offering students classes in Solidity, the programming language for developing decentralized applications (DApps) on Ethereum.
With these forward-thinking initiatives, Buenos Aires is positioning itself as a leader in blockchain innovation, transforming how its citizens engage with technology, the government, and the broader digital economy.
