- Buenos Aires becomes the first city worldwide to implement blockchain-based decentralized digital identities through QuarkID on its miBA platform.
- The new self-sovereign digital identity system empowers 3.6 million residents, offering enhanced privacy and control over personal data using zero-knowledge cryptography.
The City of Buenos Aires has announced a pioneering move in digital governance by integrating QuarkID, a decentralized identity solution powered by ZKsync, into its miBA platform.
This initiative positions Buenos Aires as the first city globally to utilize blockchain technology and zero-knowledge cryptography to create self-sovereign digital identities. By doing so, the city empowers its 3.6 million residents with enhanced control over their personal data, setting a new benchmark for privacy and security in government services.
Starting from October 1, 2024, all active users of miBA, Buenos Aires' digital platform for accessing government services, were issued decentralized digital identities (DIDs). These identities, secured by QuarkID’s wallet and settled on ZKsync’s Layer 2 blockchain, Era, offer a new level of privacy and ownership over personal information. Citizens now have the ability to store and manage documents such as birth certificates and tax records without the need for physical papers or government oversight.
Jorge Macri, Chief of Government for Buenos Aires, remarked:
"The incorporation of zero-knowledge blockchain technology into the City's digital identity system is an unprecedented milestone. This positions Buenos Aires as a leader in digital innovation, simplifying citizens' processes and enhancing data security."
QuarkID, developed in collaboration with Extrimian, allows for a seamless and secure exchange of verified credentials, with no personal data being exposed. The decentralized architecture powered by ZKsync further guarantees security, as proof of credentials is settled on-chain, making them less vulnerable to cyberattacks.
In addition to being adopted by Buenos Aires, QuarkID has seen successful pilot programs in other Latin American countries, with future plans to extend its reach across Argentina and beyond.
This move by Buenos Aires not only improves the privacy and security of its residents but also establishes a framework for the future of decentralized digital identities, with QuarkID’s open-source technology serving as a model for governments and private institutions worldwide.
Edited by Harshajit Sarmah
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