SignSpace, your monthly rendezvous with all things Sign. Crafted meticulously for our devoted community, SignSpace unfurls the latest updates, innovations, and insights that define the Sign universe. Welcome to SignSpace: Where every signature tells a story. 🖋🌌.

🌟 SIGN Community Update — June 2024 🌟

Hey SIGN Friends, This month, we launched SignPass, taking a step closer to a borderless network state world! Our latest Signie app lets everyone explore the world of attestations with a simple spin-the-wheel. We’re also excited about EthSign Next reaching 1 million users in just 10 months! Partnering with Tabi, Zeronym and Farty, we’re unlocking more potential for onchain verification in Web3 and beyond. We cherish the great vibes from our Onchain Summer event and NY TechWeek night.

Highlights of the Month

• Gateway to Network States: Our first-ever onchain passport, SignPass, includes a free application for the Sierra Leone Permanent Residency Card, fully verifiable onchain!
• Exploring the World of Attestations: Dive into our Signie app to uncover the mysteries of attestations by spinning the wheel!
• Achieving a Milestone: The #1 decentralized e-signature solution, EthSign, has reached 1 million users in just 10 months!
• Celebrating Success: Enjoy a vibrant summer in New York City with our Sign on Base event and NY TechWeek night.

Product Updates

SignPass

Introducing SignPass: we have unveiled a groundbreaking gateway to true freedom for digital nomads and global citizens. It’s the first-ever onchain passport, plus a free application for the Sierra Leone Permanent Residency Card, fully verifiable onchain! Embark on a borderless future with all our network state members 👉 app.sign.global/signpass

Signie

Have you ever imagined exploring an incredible world of attestations by simply spinning a wheel? Dive into our Signie app and join us on this innovative journey in a fun and easy way! Unlock a huge prize pool and be the lucky winner of mystery drops now 👉 https://t.me/sign_wheelie_bot

EthSign Next

How long does it take to reach 1 million users in the e-signature industry? DocuSign took 6 years, Adobe Sign 4 years, and Dropbox Sign 3 years. EthSign Next, however, reached this milestone within just 10 months! Enjoy seamless and secure decentralized e-signing today: https://www.ethsign.xyz/

Community Spotlight

Sign, Signie, SignPass — Chinese AMA

A beautiful night with industry leaders and the Sign team, got all your questions about Sign, Signie, and SignPass during our AMA. We hope to connect with more of our SIGN community soon!

Sign x Tabi powered by TokenTable

We are thrilled to announce that the first round of the Tabi Dutch Auction has successfully concluded, exclusively powered by TokenTable and Sign! This innovative mechanism rewards early participants with their desired allocations, while offering potentially lower prices for those who join later, competing for the remaining allocations. Stay tuned for the upcoming OAT!

Sign x Farty

Thrilled to work with Farty Bera to explore using Sign Protocol to promote fair play and verifiable gaming records.By signing data under a schema, each gamer will have a unique game trail in attestation format. FartyWatch enables gaming projects to verify real player counts, ensure tamper-proof data consistency, and provide evidence for in-game purchase disputes.

Events Recap

Onchain Summer

Onchain Summer peaked with building on Base via Sign Protocol! Our wonderful co-working sessions and creative builds have made this summer in New York City truly vibrant.

NY TechWeek — — into the Wild

Splendid memories at NY Techweek.A heartfelt thank you to OFFLINE and all of our co-sponsors for an inspiring and thought-provoking night. More to come!

SignSpace June 2024 was originally published in Sign on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Sign is proud to announce its partnership with Zeronym to offer sybil-resistance by leveraging Zeronym’s ZK identity solutions.

Introduction to Zeronym

Zeronym is a zero knowledge identity verification protocol developed by Holonym Foundation. It provides privacy-preserving proof of personhood, biometrics, residence, or compliance. Zeronym can be easily integrated into any site, on desktop or mobile, using the Silk SDK.

Zeronym’s Proof of Personhood attestation, uses off-chain attributes such as phone number reputation and Government ID, to prove uniqueness in a private manner. Govt ID credentials are highly universal, with over 5 billion holders that can be verified through Holonym, and being used in high stake scenarios such as opening bank accounts, receiving subsidies and voting.

This proof helps new users bootstrap identity, without the need to have an extensive web3 footprint signaling transactional engagement. Notably, 23% of Zeronym’s user base consists of new users, with wallet ages less than three months.

Sign Protocol Integration Flow

Users visit the Zeronym application to verify their identity through various methods, namely through their phone number and government ID. After verifying the details, they are issued a Soul Bound Token (SBT). Here is a demo of the user flow to receive an SBT.

For every SBT issued, there is an attestation that is recorded on Sign Protocol. Zeronym created the following schema on Sign Protocol:

[{"name":"circuitId","type":"string"},{"name":"publicValues","type":"uint256[]"}]

As per the schema designed by Zeronym on Sign Protocol, each attestation contains a circuitID which maps directly to the type of verification that they have completed using Zeronym. Once attestations are issued by Zeronym, users of Sign Protocol can view their attestation via Sign Profile.

Our collaboration with Zeronym is a testament to our long-term commitment in building robust digital identity solutions. We aim to work with multiple providers to establish Sign Profile as a definitive ground-zero for Proof of Personhood.

To learn more about what Zeronym does, please follow them on X. To stay tuned regarding further developments with our anti-sybil resistance efforts, and how Sign is committed to building digital identity solutions, please follow us on X and visit our website.

Zeronym integrates Sign Protocol for Sybil Resistance was originally published in Sign on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The Passport for Digital Nomads and Global Citizens

The rise of the digital nomad lifestyle is transforming how we work, live and think about the world. People are moving to Thailand, El Salvador, Singapore, Dubai, Japan, and Sierra Leone for their favorable tax regimes, supportive remote working cultures, and progressive crypto regulations. Pop-up cities like Prospera and Zuzalu and organizations building network states also attract those working at the frontiers of tech, science and society to come together and collaborate.

SignPass’s mission is to provide seamless convenience to this growing community through innovative, onchain verifiable IDs that are compatible with existing passport systems. Specifically, all SignPass credentials will be cryptographically registered onto the blockchain via Sign Protocol. Each holder will also receive a physical ID card that both have compatibility with the ICAO standards for machine-readable passports (MRPs), and unique QR codes that link to the blockchain record. Anyone who needs to verify the validity of their SignPass can simply scan the QR code. This system not only ensures security and transparency but is also designed to integrate smoothly with international passport standards.

The First Onchain PR Program in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is leading the charge of digital transformation as the first country to support the onchain registered Permanent Residency (PR) program. Since 2020, the government has implemented strategies to revitalize the economy, attract global human capital, and encourage economic diversification. We are excited to work with the Sierra Leone government to provide SignPass holders with significant freedom in financial activities and priority access to benefits regionally and globally.

There are a number of benefits for Sierra Leone digital PRs, including:

• Freely enter, live and work in Sierra Leone
• Open access to local banking services
• Eligibility to apply for global brokerage accounts
• Register companies and business in Sierra Leone
• Apply for citizenship after meeting the residency requirements

To apply for SignPass and Sierra Leone’s PR is a straightforward, digital-first process. Applicants will submit their information and undergo a screening process. After passing the verification process, applications will be individually reviewed by Sierra Leone officials. Successful applicants will be granted PR status with an onchain credential and a physical PR card. The program is overseen by the Office of Sierra Leone Digital Innovation in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and managed by Sign Foundation in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Future Roadmap of SignPass

Looking ahead, SignPass takes inspiration from the Network State and is poised to expand its services to a global scale through the following three ways:

Global Visa and PRs

• Expansion of Partner Countries: We will broaden the network of countries that support digital PRs and visas via SignPass.
• Establishment of Alliance Hubs: We will develop strategic hubs in key cities around the world, such as Singapore and the UAE, to support SignPass holders who are traveling or relocating there.
• Integration with Pop-up Cities and Villages: We will integrate communities such as Prospera and Zuzalu to provide more access and benefits for SignPass holders.

Enhanced Services in Practical Operations

• Simplified Business Registration: Offer streamlined processes for business registration across multiple jurisdictions, making it easier for entrepreneurs to set up and manage global operations.
• Open Financial Access: Integrate with banking and financial services to provide seamless financial transactions and access to banking products worldwide.
• Global Networks and Regional Gatherings: Facilitate networking events and regional gatherings to help digital nomads connect, share resources, and forge community ties.

Network States Stewarded by Sign Foundation

• Sign Foundation: Committed to bridging clients and governments, offering tailored services to SignPass holders, keeping them informed about the latest developments and benefits, and ensuring each client receives the most optimal solution.
• Collaboration with Governments: Work closely with governmental bodies to ensure the SignPass system meets all regulatory requirements and is recognized as a legitimate form of identification.
• Partnerships with Intergovernmental Organizations: Engage with organizations like the UN to explore and set new standards for digital identities and global mobility, ensuring that SignPass is at the forefront of policy discussions and development.
• Physical Passports by Network States: While maintaining its digital-first approach, we will explore the potential for issuing a physical passport that complements the digital ID, aiming to enhance the usability and global acceptance of SignPass globally.

Join Us!

We invite you to become part of this exciting journey, whether as a SignPass holder or as a contributor using your unique skills and expertise. SignPass is more than a digital ID; it’s a movement towards a more interconnected and accessible world.

Please note that the sale is only available to non-US residents, and residents of non-restricted jurisdictions.

Visit our website for more information.

SignPass: Your Passport to Sovereign Countries and Network States was originally published in Sign on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

SignSpace, your monthly rendezvous with all things Sign. Crafted meticulously for our devoted community, SignSpace unfurls the latest updates, innovations, and insights that define the Sign universe. Welcome to SignSpace: Where every signature tells a story. 🖋🌌.

🌟 Sign Community Update — May 2024 🌟

Hey dear SIGN Friends, May culminated in us becoming Sign! We’re building a global trust layer to make all digital information, such as ownership, identity, and certificates, verifiable onchain. As we wrap up, let’s revisit the highlights of this month with SignSpace May.

Highlights of the Month

• Reimagining Open Banking: Proofs.Money Integrates OnChain and OffChain Data for a Unified Financial Identity.
• Unlock Fun: Enjoy our spin-the-wheel game to unlock our first mini app on TON.
• Proud Community: Join Our 13,474 Sign Frens and Witness the Launch of the First Cohort in Our Sign Pioneer Program!
• Event Celebration: Relive the Fun at Consensus2024’s iykyk and Pizza DAO’s NYC Pizza Party!

We are 𝘚𝘪𝘨𝘯

May culminated in us becoming Sign! We’re creating a global trust layer for onchain digital information with Sign Protocol. Key applications include EthSign, a decentralized e-signature app with 800k users, and TokenTable, a token distribution platform for projects like Starknet. Next, we’ll build a trust-based ecosystem across RWA, SocialFi, and DePIN. It’s time to make Sign for all.

Product Updates

Proofs.Money

We’re thrilled to launch Proofs.Money, a groundbreaking initiative leveraging Sign Protocol to bridge TradFi and DeFi. Introducing ‘Unified Financial Identity’, users can create a holistic financial profile by combining onchain and offchain data. Join us in celebrating this revolutionary step in open banking and discover how Sign Protocol will support attestations to bring more real world assets onchain: proofs.money

Notcoin Campaign

We’ve teamed up with Notcoin to introduce Sign Protocol to TON. Join the Sign team’s spin-the-wheel game to snag points and prizes. 200K users in just one hour! Spin, Refer, and Win Big 👉https://t.co/yQc2n6kIvg

Community Spotlight

Attest to be SignFren

Last month, we concluded our SIGN Friend Fiesta and were deeply inspired by the enthusiasm of our community. To show our appreciation, those who collected at least 5 badges were eligible to unlock the exclusive SignFren role. We are proud to announce that 13,474 SignFrens have joined us on this journey. Show off your new status with pride!

Spotlight Series

To honor the exceptional contributions of our SignX builders, which concluded last month with groundbreaking projects utilizing attestations on the Sign Protocol, we proudly present the SignX Spotlight Series. Thank you to our talented developer community for your incredible work!

Events Recap

Consensus 2024

We were proud to sponsor one of the biggest satellite events at Consensus2024 this year: iykyk. A big thanks to OFFLINE for organizing some of the best IRL community events in the industry. The memories from Austin will remain vivid and cherished in each participant’s heart throughout 2024.

Bitcoin Pizza Party

On Bitcoin Pizza Day this year, we were thrilled to sponsor Pizza DAO’s NYC Pizza Party as part of the global festivities. We are pleased to see how crypto has grown over the years and we hope SIGN can play a pivotal role in creating a future where everyone can benefit from crypto and blockchain technology.

SignSpace May 2024 was originally published in Sign on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

SignSpace, your monthly rendezvous with all things EthSign. Crafted meticulously for our devoted community, SignSpace unfurls the latest updates, innovations, and insights that define the EthSign universe. Welcome to SignSpace: Where every signature tells a story. 🖋🌌.

🌟 EthSign Community Update — April 2024 🌟

Welcome to the April edition of SignSpace, where innovation springs eternal and our community’s passion blooms! This month, the EthSign community has been thriving with your active participation. Have you delved into the enchantment of BeraSign using the secret password ‘Ooga Booga’? Did you witness the six-week SignX program’s successful conclusion, filled with the community’s excitement and remarkable projects leveraging the Sign Protocol? And have you celebrated with us the over 50 amazing submissions from The Sign Track at ETHGlobal’s Scaling Ethereum hackathon? Let’s look back on the April SignSpace and welcome the vibrant early summer together!

Highlights of the Month

• A Journey of Innovation: The Successful Conclusion of the Six-Week Inaugural SignX Program!
• Breaking Boundaries: Over 50 Innovative Project Submissions for @ETHGlobal’s Scaling Ethereum Hackathon!
• Magical Integration: BNS and Farcaster Frame Embrace the Sign Protocol’s Enchantment!

Product Updates

BeraSign

We are delighted to unveil the enchanting arrival of BeraSign on Berachain! BeraSign introduces a transformative standard in the Berachain universe, weaving a tapestry of trust through the mystical powers of attestations with the Sign Protocol. Unlock the wonder by whispering the secret password ‘Ooga Booga’ and behold the spellbinding magic yourself.

BNS Integration

We’re excited to announce that through the Sign Protocol, BNS holders can attest to the ownership of their Base Name and access their attestations on Sign.global. The schema used by the Base Naming Service involves linking a social ID with the Base Name, serving as a primary credential for users to attest with.

Farcaster Frame Integration

During the BTC Halving week, we created a Farcaster Frame on Base, inviting you to contribute $1 and predict the BTC price before halving. The prediction concluded with tremendous success, highlighting our Farcaster Frame integration as a significant accomplishment.

Community Spotlight

SignX Program

How time flies! The six-week inaugural SignX Program journey ended successfully, highlighting impressive ingenuity and technological progress. With the support of our inclusive community, innovative builders, and top-notch mentors, SignX was designed to boost the development of solutions utilizing attestations on the Sign Protocol, enriching and enlarging the ecosystem.

Sign Friend Fiesta

Alongside SignX, we also concluded our SIGN Friend Fiesta. Throughout this six-week journey, we were deeply inspired by the enthusiasm of our community, your passion for each episode of SignX radios, and engaging discussions during our Discord AMAs and final SignX showcase.

Events Recap

Hack Summit in HK

Our Co-Founder, Potter Li, created a splash at HackSummit 2024, contributing to an electrifying panel discussion focusing on ‘Transforming Industries Through Innovation.’ It was an exciting opportunity to delve into Sign Protocol and our vision for the future.

Be Liquid, My Friend

We were thrilled to host the official afterparty of HackSummit 2024 with our friends at Berachain, Hack VC, Auros, and J17 Capital! The evening couldn’t have been more magical, featuring great music, positive vibes, and the stunning views of Hong Kong.

ETHGlobal

The Sign Track for ETHGlobal’s Scaling Ethereum hackathon has been a huge success! We’re excited to announce that we’ve received over 50 innovative project submissions. Stay tuned as we showcase them at our upcoming SignX Spotlight Series.

SignX Showcase

Fueled by the powerful Sign Protocol SDK and expert guidance from industry leaders, the inaugural SignX Program soared to new heights as our talented teams delivered outstanding presentations at the SignX showcase! A heartfelt thank you to all 15 teams for their incredible dedication over the past 6 weeks, and congratulations to our well-deserving final winners.

SignSpace Apr 2024 was originally published in Sign on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

SignSpace, your monthly rendezvous with all things EthSign. Crafted meticulously for our devoted community, SignSpace unfurls the latest updates, innovations, and insights that define the EthSign universe. Welcome to SignSpace: Where every signature tells a story. 🖋🌌.

🌟 EthSign Community Update — March 2024 🌟

Welcome to the March edition of SignSpace, where innovation springs eternal and our community’s passion blooms! This month, we’re buzzing with excitement as we roll out transformative updates and launch dynamic programs that promise to deepen our connection and expand our ecosystem. With groundbreaking advancements in TokenTable and the thrilling kickoff of the SignX Program, we’re setting the stage for a season of growth, collaboration, and unparalleled achievements. Join us on this vibrant journey as we explore new horizons and celebrate the spirit of innovation that propels EthSign forward.

Highlights of the Month

• TokenTable Expansion: Launched on Scroll for improved token distribution management and fully deployed on Cairo, bringing a highly secure, audited solution to StarkNet.
• Sign Protocol Profile: Introduced to enhance trust and identity verification on-chain, setting new standards in digital interactions.
• SignX Program Kickoff: A six-week hackathon to foster Sign Protocol development, covering innovative tracks like TLS Notary, Identity, and KYC.
• SIGN Friend Fiesta: A community engagement campaign running parallel to SignX, offering tasks, NFTs, and surprises to our community members.

TokenTable Takes on Scroll & Cairo

March has been a pivotal month for TokenTable, EthSign’s innovative token distribution platform. Now live on Scroll, projects on this platform can seamlessly manage token distributions. Not to be outdone, TokenTable’s full deployment on Cairo, complete with a thorough audit, marks a new era for token distribution on StarkNet.

Explore more on our Twitter: TokenTable on Scroll & TokenTable on Cairo

Introducing Sign Protocol Profile

A major product milestone this month is the introduction of Sign Protocol Profile, setting a new standard for onchain trust and identity. This landmark development is poised to revolutionize how we interact with digital worlds, emphasizing the importance of verifiable, onchain trust.

Launching the SignX Program

The SignX Program has officially kicked off! This six-week hackathon aims to propel the development and adoption of Sign Protocol, covering exciting tracks like TLS Notary, Identity, KYC, and more. Supported by world-class mentors and an inclusive community, the SignX Program is an opportunity to innovate and contribute to the EthSign ecosystem.

Community Corner: SIGN Friend Fiesta

Alongside SignX, we’re celebrating the SIGN Friend Fiesta, a six-week campaign inviting our community to engage with tasks, earn unique NFTs, and partake in surprises. It’s a testament to our vibrant community’s spirit and dedication.

Arena: Celebrating Ethereum’s Dencun Upgrade

We were thrilled to host the Arena series in New York City, marking a special celebration of Ethereum’s Dencun Upgrade with Base Blockchain, Beam, and SuperScrypt. The event was a beacon for crypto builders, offering a blend of great food, drinks, and dynamic discussions. Focusing on the leap forward provided by the Dencun upgrade, the meetup featured insightful conversations on the latest in Layer 3 developments, Onchain Attestations, Account Abstraction, and more, with distinguished guests and panelists from the Ethereum ecosystem.

SignSpace Mar 2024 was originally published in Sign on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

In the past few articles about attestations and Sign Protocol, we’ve delved deeply into the concept of attestations and how they offer a promising solution for strengthening the trust systems of the web and the world around us, such as our Web of Trust, via the delivery of provable trustworthiness and rich insights. However, we’ve only subtly hinted at another core and critical piece of the equation used to achieve this goal via attestations: Assertions.

Currently, attestations made in the wild often have their assertions either confined to locations outside the public domain, such as within an app’s backend server, or they do not exist at all. This inadvertently leads to an apparent innocuous misuse of attestations, as they are utilized as a means to make claims about a subject matter, instead of their intended purpose of verifying such claims.

In this article, we’ll explore the often overlooked concept of assertions and their fundamental role as the precursor to an attestation. Additionally, we’ll discuss some of the side effects and shortcomings observed in certain attestation ecosystems in the wild, primarily due to the oversight of assertions as a core component of their framework. Let’s dive in!

What Is an Assertion?

An assertion is a statement or declaration made by a party regarding a subject matter. Such statements usually lack substantial evidence, necessitating verification in the form of an attestation. The subject matter can encompass various aspects, including historical events, information, observations, calculations, analyses, or even facts.

Ideally, an assertion is crafted by a responsible and honest party, using a structured schema that adheres to specific criteria for organizing the data intended to express or represent the subject matter. This data, serving as the foundation for assertion-based engagement, provides the guiding scope for an attester to evaluate and issue an attestation.

Assertions aren’t a new concept in any form or way. In fact, every day, we engage in activities i.e. assertion-based engagements that involve either making an assertion, such as stating the winner of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, or providing an attestation to validate a presented assertion about the winner of the 2022 FIFA World Cup by presenting recorded footage from sources like NBC Sports, BBC Sports, and other news outlets.

Another real-world example that illustrates the role of assertions and the use of assertion-based engagements in our daily lives can be found in an app like X (formerly known as Twitter) and its Community Notes feature. This feature enables community members to attest to the validity of statements made in posts, providing added context. The attestation is then attached to the original post, informing other readers (verifiers) about the credibility and context of the post.

The Importance of Assertions

Assertions play a crucial role in establishing the criteria, via a schema, according to which an attester can evaluate and validate to issue an attestation. A well-crafted assertion provides a clear framework, enabling attesters to directly validate key points stated in an assertion. This standardization influences the consistency and reliability of assertion-based engagements across a given attestation ecosystem, promoting uniformity, composability, and efficiency.

Without assertions, attesters face the daunting task of identifying the relevant points of a subject matter in order to issue a reliable attestation. This lack of assertions may lead to inconsistencies and subjectivity in the attestation process, as different attesters may prioritize different criteria. Consequently, observers and verifiers are left to construct their own criteria to sift through the various attestations for one that suits their needs, introducing further subjectivity, overhead, and potential for error. Essentially, the absence of assertions leaves attesters and verifiers operating blindly, resulting in attestations issued or verified in a more opinionated manner.

In an attestation ecosystem devoid of assertions as a core provision, all attestations are essentially ‘Blind Attestations.’ Without the provision of assertions in an attestation ecosystem, there is no proper means to assess the origin or criteria of the subject matter when constructing attestations. This lack of transparency undermines the reliability and trustworthiness of the entire ecosystem.

To grasp the importance of assertions within an attestation ecosystem, consider attestations as keys and assertions as the corresponding keyholes. Just as a key without a matching keyhole serves no purpose, an attestation lacking an assertion is essentially worthless. The assertion acts as the antecedent, setting the subject matter criteria of measurements and benchmarks which an attester evaluates in order to issue an attestation.

What the Mainstream Gets Wrong About Attestations.

The emergence of attestations in the Ethereum ecosystem and broader crypto mainstream was catalyzed by the efforts of the Ethereum Attestation Service (EAS). This initiative witnessed a surge in attestation issuances, expansion into other blockchains like Base, and significant adoption campaigns by major entities such as Coinbase.

However, despite this growth and activity, it’s unfortunate to note that the EAS standards and attestation ecosystem do not include provisions for assertions. Consequently, this has led to a normalization of deficient attestations being issued, which ultimately hampers the utilization and effectiveness of assertion-based engagements in mainstream contexts.

To illustrate, consider a scenario where Taylor creates an attestation with a very elaborate schema on the EAS platform, stating her age as 22. Other observers or verifiers, such as apps and businesses, may naively accept Taylor’s stated age as truth based solely on it being an attestation on EAS. A more appropriate approach would entail Taylor making an assertion about her age and providing additional evidence, such as an ID card or birth certificate. Subsequently, Travis (the verifier), who works at the DMV (the attester), would verify this assertion by reaching out to the internal resources of the DMV to receive an issued attestation that will either confirm or debunk Taylor’s assertion, with added context such as physical description, date of birth, etc.

From the scenario described above, it becomes observable to the astute reader that the issuance of an attestation is a dynamic and interactive process, rather than a unilateral action. This interactive process, which entails the presentation of an assertion, and evaluation and validation by an attester to issue an attestation, is commonly referred to as an assertion-based engagement.

Another scenario we will use to highlight this issue in certain mainstream attestation ecosystems, such as EAS’, is the operation of Onchain Verification initiative by Coinbase. Through the Onchain Verification initiative, Coinbase issues batches of onchain attestations on the Base chain to publicly certify customers’ ownership of a Coinbase account and their nationality, relying on internal KYC data. However, despite the progressive nature of this initiative, it is inherently handicapped by shortcomings of EAS’ standards and design, particularly the oversight of assertions.

The composition of the assertion, particularly the criteria guiding the measurements and benchmarks used for Coinbase’s Onchain Verification attestations, appears to be internal or proprietary to Coinbase. This does not involve the specific details of the assertion, which often include sensitive customer information, but rather the criteria guiding the assertion, as expressed through its schema. In essence, while we acknowledge Coinbase’s role in attesting to Alice’s nationality, for example, the absence of visibility into a relevant premise, i.e., the assertion, that necessitates this attestation leaves much to be desired in terms of ensuring efficiency, accountability, and independent verifiability within the ecosystem.

Despite the aforementioned shortcomings, numerous apps and services confidently rely on Coinbase verification attestations to conduct their operations. This reliance stems from Coinbase’s reputation as an entity traditionally perceived as honest and credible. However, this practice diminishes trust assumptions, overlooks security considerations, and limits the overall purpose of these attestations to a “trust me bro” standard. Instead, they should embody key attributes that foster open verifiability.

It’s important to emphasize that these observations are not a direct critique of Coinbase. They reflect broader challenges within mainstream attestation standards and ecosystems.

A notable consequence of adopting flawed or poorly designed standards in attestation ecosystems is the overloading of attestations, causing them to perform tasks or functions beyond their intended purpose. We have observed the tendency for everyday users and businesses to issue attestations where assertions would be more appropriate. Essentially, we’re observing instances where the mainstream populace tends to present statements about subject matters as attestations upfront, rather than generating assertions that could subsequently be validated by an attestation.

Another case that illustrates the overloading of attestations caused by inefficient standards and methodologies within an attestation ecosystem is evident in a feature introduced by the EAS known as “Referenced Attestations.” These are attestations issued to validate other attestations. However, this feature only creates redundant usage of attestations and merely serves as a makeshift solution made in lieu of the appropriate considerations and provisions, specifically assertions.

Building the Change We Wish to See with Sign Protocol

After exploring the concept of assertions and how some mainstream attestation ecosystems lack the necessary infrastructure and standards to provide effective attestations to users, applications, and businesses, you may wonder how we plan to address these issues and enhance attestation ecosystems with Sign Protocol.

Our investigations and observations of attestation ecosystems in both traditional trust frameworks like the Microsoft Azure Attestation Service and alternative ones like the Ethereum Attestation Service have shaped our scope and strategy for building Sign Protocol as a competent and efficient attestation ecosystem and stack. We aim to rectify the flaws of previous projects and set new standards, tools, and practices for a robust and effective attestation ecosystem.

The hallmark of a well-equipped and efficient attestation ecosystem lies in the consideration and provision of all core elements essential for enabling assertion-based engagements. This comprehensive approach ensures that the ecosystem becomes a beacon for effective attestations, fostering trust and reliability in the broader landscape of trust systems.

To achieve this, we at EthSign will be researching, proposing, and advocating for new standards and methodologies to the public, especially the active participants and stakeholders of the various attestation ecosystems. As we keep developing and releasing new features and provisions that evolve Sign Protocol, you can anticipate improvements that will progressively bring in a more advanced and well-equipped attestation ecosystem. These improvements will incorporate more core aspects and provisions such as assertions, allowing anyone to conduct and interact with assertion-based engagements properly.

This endeavor enables Sign Protocol to offer a strong, secure, and verifiable attestation ecosystem, empowering the web of trust of tomorrow and strengthening trust systems worldwide.

In Conclusion…

In an attestation ecosystem, assertions serve as foundational elements, laying the groundwork for subsequent attestations by defining the subject and criteria for verification, thereby providing essential context. A deficiency in provisions and functionality for assertions within an attestation protocol leads to the issuance of inefficient or flawed attestations.

It’s crucial to note that attestations do not assert claims; rather, this responsibility falls squarely on assertions. Without a well-defined assertion, an attestation remains inherently incomplete, lacking the necessary subject matter and supporting criteria for its issuance. This highlights the pivotal and indispensable role of assertions as the precursors to attestations.

Assertions: The Missing Piece & Precursor of Attestations was originally published in Sign on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

TL;DR

• SignX Program, a six-week-long hackathon to enhance the development and adoption of the Sign Protocol started this week. Apply now
• Participants can utilize the Sign Protocol on any supported chain. Check Sign Protocol SDK here
• The SignX Program includes several tracks for participants to focus on, including TLS Notary, Identity, KYC, Certification, AI, and e-Signature.
• Our supports include world-class mentors, office hours, developer chats and so on.
• Participation and contribution in the SignX hackathon could qualify builders for up to 50% of the airdrop allocation.
• We have partnered with ETHGlobal to extend the reach of the SignX Program, offering participants a chance to win a share of a $20,000.00 prize pool. Register here
• We have also launched the SIGN Friend Fiesta, a parallel six-week initiative for the general community. This campaign offers engaging tasks, unique NFTs, and more surprises to come. Get involved here

Sign Everything

A few months ago, we introduced Sign Protocol, an omni-chain attestation protocol that enables users to freely attest and verify information both onchain and offchain. We developed Sign Protocol with the aim of creating a robust, adaptive, and impactive attestation ecosystem capable of ushering in a future of verifiable trust across the web and broader world around us.

To achieve this vision, we are calling for all builders in the industry to build on Sign Protocol.

Activating Sign Protocol with the SignX Program

SignX is a six-week-long hackathon program focusing on developing applications while leveraging the framework of Sign Protocol. The program has been designed to give builders the opportunity to unleash their creativity, ingenuity, and problem-solving abilities in a competitive yet rewarding environment.

SignX is a fully online event, allowing everyone to join. This commitment to accessibility underscores our belief in the importance of diverse perspectives in driving innovation within the SIGN community.

As an omni-chain protocol, SignX allows builders to deploy solutions on any supported chain. Whether participants choose Base, Starknet, Zetachain, or another platform, they can access consistent support while utilizing the Sign Protocol SDK and documentation as part of the SignX Program.

Exploring the SignX Builder Program Tracks

Participants of the SignX Program can select from a variety of tracks, each representing a distinct subject area that stands to benefit from apps and solutions enhanced by Sign Protocol.

To provide participants with guidance and inspiration, we will publish some case studies to help builders conceptualize various potential solutions that participants could develop. Most importantly, these case studies do not only leverage the Sign Protocol but also incorporate the use of popular apps and services, offering builders the chance to create innovative solutions that are familiar and relatable.

Here are the tracks available for participants in the SignX Program:

1. TLS Notary: This track is geared towards projects that aim to leverage the MPC-TLS infrastructure and Sign Protocol to securely attest and operate with any web data.
2. Identity: This track is designed for projects involved in decentralized identity that introduce attestations from Sign Protocol to achieve better verifiability and trust.
3. KYC: This track is focused on projects that aim to solve problems in the field of KYC compliance using attestations and the Sign Protocol.
4. Certificate: This track is intended for projects looking to improve the area of certifications using the Sign Protocol.
5. AI: This track is for projects that aim to enhance the AI experience by leveraging attestations on the Sign Protocol.
6. e-Signature: This track is for projects that wish to innovate the field of e-signatures using Sign Protocol within the SignX Program.

Each track represents a unique challenge and opportunity for participants to showcase their skills and creativity. We look forward to seeing the innovative solutions that will emerge from these tracks.

Supporting SignX Builders

Mentors

Mentors play a pivotal role in guiding their mentees towards success by imparting knowledge and helping them navigate potential pitfalls. Recognizing this, we have assembled a distinguished roster of industry leaders and innovators for the SignX Program.

SignX Office Hours

We recognize that builders may encounter challenges and require assistance with troubleshooting or debugging during the hackathon. To address this, we will be hosting regular office hours sessions as part of the SignX program. During these sessions, our top engineers and core contributors will be available to assist builders and address their needs. More updates will be sent out via our official X account.

SignX Developer Chat

Unable to attend our SignX Office Hours sessions? Don’t worry! As a participant in the SignX Program, you’ll have access to dedicated channels. And our expert DevRels are just a few taps away, ready to assist you in resolving any issues. You will be invited to the Developer Chat after submitting your application.

Ways of Participating in SignX (and Getting Rewarded)

As the SignX Program kicks off, we are excited to introduce various avenues for participation and rewards. While the SignX Program serves as the primary event for engagement, offering builders the opportunity to qualify for up to 50% of the airdrop, we are also exploring additional options to expand the program’s reach and impact.

SignX Hackathon

The main avenue for participation in the SignX Program is through the SignX hackathon event. By taking part in the hackathon, builders can qualify for up to 50% of the airdrop token allocation based on their submissions and contributions.

Furthermore, builders can also benefit from the revenue generated by their solutions. We believe this incentive will not only reward their efforts but also stimulate further interest and contributions to the program.

Builders can apply for the SignX Hackathon here.

ETHGlobal Hackathon

EthSign has formed a strategic partnership with ETHGlobal to extend the reach of the SignX Builder Program to a wider developer community. This collaboration will be showcased during the Scaling Ethereum, which is scheduled to run from April 5 to April 26.

Developers participating in the ETHGlobal hackathon will have the opportunity to also participate in the SignX Program. They can do this by submitting their projects to the Sign track. This qualifies them for a chance to win a share of the prize pool, which amounts to up to $20,000.00 in rewards.

For those participating in SignX, this partnership introduces an additional incentive to create top-tier applications and solutions that utilize the Sign Protocol. It’s an exciting opportunity to showcase their skills and contribute to the overall success of the SignX Program.

ETHGlobal Hackathon participants can check out the Sign track here

SIGN Friend Fiesta

We have also launched a parallel six-week initiative specifically tailored for our valued general community members: the SIGN Friend Fiesta.

SIGN Friend Fiesta is an exclusive journey designed for our vibrant community! As we gear up for the exciting launch of the Sign Profile, we welcome all our community members to join us in a series of engaging tasks. This six-week campaign is your pathway to not only deepen your connection with the community but also to earn unique NFTs and and other perks in the future. Join here

Apply for SignX Today!

The SignX Program is a pivotal step towards realizing the full potential of the Sign Protocol. By engaging developers worldwide in this six-week hackathon campaign, our goal is to drive innovation and adoption of Sign Protocol across diverse industries.

Together, we are laying the foundation for a more secure and verifiable future using Sign Protocol.

Ready to make a difference with Sign Protocol? Join the SignX Program today!

Your journey towards innovation and creativity starts here: Apply now and let’s build the future of verifiable trust together!

SignX Program: Calling for all Sign Protocol Builders was originally published in Sign on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Today, TokenTable and Starknet Foundation are excited to announce a landmark ongoing partnership that will bring in a new chapter of innovation, usher in an age of smarter, safer, more transparent, and effortlessly seamless token management operations in Starknet’s Ecosystem.

TokenTable’s Vision and Starknet’s Expertise: A Synergistic Collaboration

TokenTable is redefining the future of token management. By leveraging smart contracts, TokenTable transforms locked tokens into dynamic, on-chain cash flows, enabling seamless token unlocks, distributions, and vestings. TokenTable isn’t just managing onchain assets; it’s activating them. This approach empowers founders, investors, employees, and community contributors, elevating their positions from mere stakeholders to active participants in a vibrant, financial ecosystem.

Having earned the trust of leading entities like ZetaChain, Manta Network, KaratDAO, Impossible Finance, Delysium, Biconomy and Orange DAO, TokenTable has become a cornerstone for managing investor token unlocks and community token airdrops.

Starknet is a validity rollup, commonly known as a zk-rollup, that functions on the Ethereum network. Developed by StarkWare Industries to scale Ethereum, Starknet is a permissionless L2 network, allowing anyone to build dApps on it with massive scaling, rapid transactions, and reduced costs. Starknet ecosystem is setting new benchmarks for Ethereum scaling innovation.

Partnership on Trust: Deployment on Cairo and Audit by Nethermind Security

TokenTable has accomplished successful deployment of the full suite of smart contracts on Cairo, Starknet’s native programming language, thereby making our offerings accessible and more user-friendly for the Starknet community. We have also ensured stringent security measures for our smart contracts — successfully audited by Nethermind Security — reflecting our commitment to secure blockchain solutions.

Looking Ahead: Charting the Future with Enhanced Trust and Efficiency

Our partnership with Starknet is set to deepen with the integration of Sign Protocol, a breakthrough in blockchain trust and verification. This omni-chain attestation protocol brings immutable trusts, verifiable proofs, and digital identities onto the blockchain, paving the way for a more transparent, secure ecosystem where the Starknet community can freely attest and verify information on-chain.

Xin Yan, Co-Founder of EthSign, expresses his excitement for the future: “Cairo opens up a new blue ocean for smart contract builders, ZKP, attestations, new narratives are brewing.”

We’re excited to bring more Starknet projects into the TokenTable fold, leveraging Sign Protocol to redefine token management with unmatched innovation and reliability. We are not just enhancing token management processes, ​​we are forging a future of blockchain interactions marked by trust, efficiency, and security. Attestations will help enable trust on blockchain and fast-track Starkware’s vision of scalability for Ethereum.

For more about TokenTable and the potential of Sign Protocol, visit our website and follow us on Twitter for the latest updates and insights into our partnership.

TokenTable x Starknet: Bringing the Ultimate Token Distribution Solution to Cairo was originally published in Sign on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Today, we are beyond excited to introduce Sign Profile, a cornerstone development for Sign Protocol that help us to bring more trust and sign everything onchain.

In the realms of both traditional and digital interaction, trust and identity are deeply intertwined, with trust often stemming from knowing someone, whether face-to-face or online. Sign Protocol, an omni-chain attestation protocol, starts with a vision to build a comprehensive trust repository, which aims to generate, store, and organize trust through attestations and schemas. The introduction of Sign Profile allows us to link identities with these schemas, boosting the credibility of attestations and transforming personal claims into verifiable trust on the blockchain.

Maximizing Trust through ID Compatibility

Our goal to strengthen onchain trust is rooted in enhancing ID compatibility. To achieve this, Sign Protocol currently and will soon support a wide variety of IDs, including:

• Sovereign-backed IDs: Such as Singpass and RNS (e-residency backed by the Republic of Palau), providing a solid trust foundation through government endorsement.
• Decentralized ID: Including ENS, BNS, and other DID providers, offering a blockchain-native solution for identity that promotes interoperability and self-sovereignty.
• Social Media and Online Identity Profiles: By integrating digital personas from platforms like Twitter, Discord, Telegram, GitHub, and email, we’re connecting online identities to the blockchain.
• Website Domain through DNS: This approach links an individual’s or organization’s online presence with their blockchain address, enhancing credibility.
• Proof of Human through World ID: To combat sybil attacks and ensure authenticity, we support Proof of Human verification, fostering a human-centered ecosystem.

Your Profile Page: Embarking on a Trustworthy Journey

The profile page within Sign Protocol is your entry point into a new era of trust and identity. Designed to showcase your verified identities, it also serves as a foundation for a future where blockchain transactions are seamlessly integrated with off-chain credibility. Looking ahead, the blockchain will become a web of trust, capturing every aspect of your persona, intentions, and credentials.

As we continue to evolve, we deeply value our community’s ongoing support. We encourage you to explore your Sign Profile, reflecting on your engagement with us — ranging from contracts sent and signed to attestations made, badges collected, and campaigns participated in. Your contributions and feedback are crucial to our journey. Stay connected for more exciting updates.

Introducing Sign Profile: Bridging Trust and Identity on Sign Protocol was originally published in Sign on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.