Technology Employment
In this section, we explain the technological choices we have made.
Web-based Application
ReUnion Network will be developed as a mobile-first browser-based application. We want to develop a web application instead of a native app to reach the greatest possible amount of users and support the greatest range of hardware and operating systems.
Currently, we intend to connect with the legacy of the D-CENT project, given our aligned ethics towards digital technology. We plan to build a lean React web client that communicates with Freecoin and the Social Wallet api, as well as a custom api to manage non-blockchain business processes, like storing user information, settings, and non-financial user interactions. Managing user information on our own set of backend services that are not on a public p2p network is an important aspect of GDPR compliance and security in general. This api can make use of and work in communication with the D-CENT ecosystem, using Stonecutter single sign-on. In terms of managing payments, we plan to integrate SecurionPay as a fiat payment gateway, and Coingate as a cryptocurrency payment gateway.
The current Proof-of-Concept is a native app (Android and iOS) that is constructed with the Unity Pro framework. It is built exclusively for demonstrative purposes. We choose to use Unity Pro for the Proof-of-Concept because it is the most efficient choice based on the limitations of our current resources.
Distributed Ledger Technology / Blockchain
ReUnion Network is currently using blockchain, a Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) as its technological backbone. As ReUnion Network's key features concern contract making and fund distribution, blockchain can provide technically for both.
DLT comprises non-redactable databases that are maintained by a peer-to-peer network of computers that agree, using one of a variety of byzantine fault-tolerant consensus algorithms, on the authenticity and state of a ledger. This process, usually called mining, authenticates the sender of a record and results in network-wide consensus about the execution of transactions. Because this process results in a single source of truth, it is easy to use DLT to validate an agreement, which is increasingly recognized by legal authorities.
Newer generations of DLT can implement smart contracts, which are miniature programs that execute on top of the blockchain infrastructure. Smart contracts allow for more complex forms of information to be stored on blockchains and for more complex logic to be executed. We intended to use the D-CENT toolbox[17], which provides an api that simulates many of the functions commonly found in smart contracts for making and generating PTs, as well as distributing funds and subsidies to caring relationships (i.e. CCs).
Additionally, with the D-CENT toolkit, ReUnion Network can securely provide crowd-sourced insights for policymaking and even legal reform that pertains to interpersonal matters. Thus, ReUnion reflects the present and particular care requirements of local communities, from the bottom up.
While blockchain can currently support our technological needs, we are not wholly attached to blockchain technology. If another technology proves more effective and secure for our aims for social welfare, we would consider moving our project to it.
We are keenly aware of the importance of making a threat model and addressing our approach to information security, accountability, and accessibility. Because we are in an early developmental stage, this process will unfold as we conduct community research and determine exactly what information will exist in the network. We understand this will be informed by the collaborating civic body and that this will inform our system design.
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