Zion v2

Abstract

A purely peer-to-peer version of content distribution would allow information across the web to be sent directly from one party to another without going through a trusted third party. Digital identifiers provide part of the solution, but the main benefits are lost if a trusted third party is still required to store and move that content across the web. We propose the use of distributed data networks, identifiers using DIDs, and payments using the Bitcoin Lightning Network. This network stores DID ION transactions by hashing them into an ongoing chain of hash-based proof-of-work core, forming an unchangeable record. Data would be stored across Decentralized Web Nodes that create an open transport network of information.

Introduction

Digital interactions on the internet have come to rely almost exclusively on trusted third parties. Content aggregation is mostly run by companies serving as trusted third parties to process content distribution across the web. While the system works well enough for most digital services, it still suffers from a few inherent weaknesses: the lack of a trust based model, single points of failure, and a lack of financial transparency.

What is needed is a content distribution system based on cryptographic signatures instead of trust. This allows any two willing parties to share content directly with each other without the need for a trusted third party. We propose using a peer-to-peer distributed network of Decentralized Web Nodes to solve the problem of centralized content networks. This gives creators ownership of their data without having to capitulate to the requirements of third parties or a blockchain. This system must be built for Web5 interoperability so people are no longer gated by what applications they can use with their data. Additionally, through the use of Distributed Data Networks, the single points of failures aggregators and third party services create will cease to exist. Traditional asymmetric cryptography will ensure data is secure and stops mass data theft. With Decentralized Identifiers people can verify who they are communicating with on the web, and encryption with cyptographic signatures to chat.

Zion Web5 Architecture

The Zion Architecture is engineered on three new technologies that build a Web5 Social Network with decentralized payments.

These technologies are:

Decentralized Identifiers: A globally unique persistent identifier that does not require a centralized registration authority and is registered cryptographically. DIDs can be changed to accommodate different contexts, used to reinforce pseudonymity, or leverage port attributes between identities. This technology will solve many of the problems created by centralized internet services, from intermediary control of identity to unneeded surveillance at successive layers of the technology stack.

Decentralized Web Nodes: Data storage and message relay nodes that serve as the foundation for decentralized apps and protocols

Bitcoin Lightning: a peer-to-peer payment network that leverages payment channels anchored on the Bitcoin blockchain to enable almost instantaneous transaction settlement between participants with almost no cost. Many such payment channels are chained together to deliver payments to anyone in the network without the need for trust in participants

Zion App

The Zion app is a peer-governed social network where members are the true owners of their data. Because of Zion's Web5 Architecture and DWNs, members own their data unlike normal applications that store your data centrally.

The Zion App has the following features:

Communities: Zion is about connecting with peers they share interest with. To do this Zion has created peer governed communities focused around topics that a person is interested in. Community rules can be enforced by user post staking and other anti-spam tools in communities. This means every post/comment/message that is a violation of community rules can penalize a user with a monetary fine.

Messages: Zion believes that people deserve privacy and security when conversing on the web. With Zion your messages are only viewable by you and the people you are conversing with. All messages are secured with your DID and stored on a DWN. Bitcoin Lightning Wallet: Every Zion account has an attached Zion wallet that utilizes the Bitcoin Lightning Network. Wallets are used in all transactions while on the Zion app.