Buenos Aires has introduced a new digital ID system that prioritizes privacy using zero-knowledge technology.
According to a Chainwire press release, the Argentine government has integrated QuarkID, a blockchain-based identity solution, into the miBA app to provide services and documents to more than 3.6 million residents.
The initiative was launched on October 1, 2024, making Buenos Aires the first city in the world to adopt ZK technology for the management of decentralized digital identities.
The introduction of QuarkID will give residents more control over their personal data. The system allows you to manage documents such as birth certificates and tax records from your mobile device.
Buenos Aires and ZK Technology
The key innovation here is zero-knowledge encryption, which allows users to verify information without revealing unnecessary personal information.
Zero-knowledge technology, a cryptographic tool, ensures privacy by allowing only relevant data to be shared during the verification process. In practical terms, this means that personal data is protected from being exposed during interactions, and third parties, including governments, cannot track how and when these credentials are used.
This differs from traditional systems, where institutions often manage and store users’ data.
QuarkID’s blockchain framework is built on the ZKsync Era blockchain, providing enhanced security and transparency. According to the release, personal credentials are stored in a decentralized system, reducing risks such as data breaches and identity theft.
The city of Buenos Aires plans to expand the system to include more documents, such as driver’s licenses and official permits.
QuarkID is also being piloted in Mexico, Colombia, and Peru, with further expansion planned throughout Argentina.
