Using Blockchain to tokenise and reward Tracetogether model

in #blockchain4 years ago

Introduction

Tractogether is technology based on mobile devices and Bluetooth to trace the paths traversed by a large set of people. Singapore government has developed and effectively using this to contain Corona Virus infections and optimize tests. More information can be seen here : https://www.tracetogether.gov.sg/

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There is also a project http://safepaths.mit.edu/ which does pretty much similar things. [TODO: details comparison]

Rewarding participants

Lets imagine the Tracetogether and SafePath are 100% safe, secure from all data security, privacy and data regulations. It becomes difficult to convince people follow guidelines unless governments enforce it. Now some of the goverments can enforce guidelines with an iron first or other means.

For example, look at this news:


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(source: https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/coronavirus-in-india-how-reverse-migration-is-breaching-the-lockdown-1660835-2020-03-29 )

The panic is creating issues and the disease spread is expected to last for longer duration from various studies. Some of the studies shows multiple episodes to epidemic. ( https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(20)30073-6/fulltext ). All this indicates the need for long term measures.

How do we get people to compliant for longer duration ?

One of the models is to gamify and incentives people for taking precautions and doing chores. The best example is, needless to say: @actifit . Trading of carbon credits is a similar model.

What is needed to incentive a trcetogether model ?

  • find activities people do and incentive
  • switching on the bluetooth
  • distance travelled + number of persons interacted should be "punished" by reducing points
  • Additional points can be given for activities like checkin to a bluetooth receiver to triangulate position

In short we need to identify activities, actions, define voluntary actions and incentive them, consecutive visits to a super-market in a short duration can be penalized, time of the day can be given to give more points.

Time of the day

We can give guidelines but not rules about time of the day set aside for shopping for elderly or those who are differently able (disabled).

Limiting distance travelled

Unfortunately until we have a solution in terms of a vaccine or proper medicine, its essential to limit the distance travelled by people. We should not be enforcing and a person's regular travel to his work, back home, school etc should not be encouraged. This must dealt carefully and better models not impacting ones freedom or travel and leisure should be identified.

Reward Volunteer activities

In Kerala, India the government has proactively registered volunteers to be part of home delivery of essentials, medicines etc. Even in very remote areas home delivery is successfully happening. Going forward, me way need similar volunteering activities. These volunteering activities can be rewarded as well.

TODO: Identify, list and improve the activities.

Tokenisation

The term is used primarily in the tokenisation of payment systems. But in here the term is used a common blockchain or DLT buzzword.

A simple definition from OECD is:

The tokenisation of assets involves the digital representation of real (physical) assets on distributed ledgers, or the issuance of traditional asset classes in tokenised form. Asset tokenisation has become one of the most prominent use-cases of distributed ledger technologies (DLTs)

Reference: https://www.oecd.org/finance/the-tokenisation-of-assets-and-potential-implications-for-financial-markets.htm

The simplest approach is to tokenise the activities identified and capture the related transactions on a public blockchain. Care must be taken to ensure that only high level data regarding activity should be tracked. No personally identifiable information or even activity details hampering the privacy of others should not be captured. Further its essential to use a public blockchain and not a private or permissioned chain to keep the operational costs and CAPEX low.

An ideal candidate will be Graphene based chains which supports creation of assets (Peerplays, Bitshares, Hive etc)

Redemption of tokens

The tokens can be redeemed against goods if possible or services.

Private firms can offer "deals" where offer special discounts to people with X number of tokens. This will be the simplest model as there is no need to involve policy makers.

In scenarios like Kerala, India where are grass root movements Kudumbasree & related projects can be used to distribute incentives. It need not be direct money transactions but prioritization of various services offered in tandem with these movements.

Tax benefits can also be considered.

Summary

This is a brief to be used to further brainstorm on the tokenisation of crowd-sourcing and volunteer driven activities. Its possible to combine existing crowd sourced frame works to introduce sustainable, long term models to ensure participation.