Buenos Aires launches QuarkID digital identity system for its 3.6 million citizens

Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, has officially introduced a blockchain-based digital identity system called QuarkID, offering advanced data privacy for its 3.6 million residents.

This initiative marks a significant global milestone in decentralized identity, being the first government-backed implementation of such technology. 

The system leverages zero-knowledge cryptography through the ZKsync Era, an Ethereum layer-2 network. It is integrated into the city’s MiBa platform, a seven-year-old app used to access municipal services and documents.

QuarkID allows residents to securely manage and share documents like birth certificates, tax records, and vaccination data, without exposing unnecessary personal information. 

Diego Fernández, Buenos Aires’ Secretary of Innovation and Digital Transformation, emphasized that the use of zero-knowledge technology enhances both privacy and security, empowering residents to own their personal data. 

The city of Buenos Aires plans to extend the system to include additional documents, such as driver’s licenses and public permits, with the potential for QuarkID to be adopted across other Argentinian provinces. 

The initiative is being piloted in various regions, including Jujuy, Tucumán, and the Mendoza town of Luján de Cuyo, with further experiments planned in Uruguay.

QuarkID’s use of blockchain ensures document authenticity without external control, reducing identity theft risks. The system is cost-free for users and cuts government expenses compared to traditional methods.

This pioneering effort by Buenos Aires sets a precedent for other cities and governments to explore blockchain technology for enhancing digital identity systems.

As the city expands the application of QuarkID, it is anticipated that similar models may be tested and scaled across Latin America.

This article first appeared at Crypto Briefing