Chowder

Decentralized storage platform to store content on-chain with proof-of-location validation.

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Inspiration

Decentralized storage enables individuals to store content permentantly and anonymously. However, why does that matter? Around the world, there are numerous cases of authortian control over entire populations directing their ability to not only not have free speech, but shadow their existence entirely. Although this may seem like a sentence out a nonfiction, this is currently taking place in various parts of the world.

This platform addresses:

  1. individuals to post and share their stories based on their day-to-day lives, giving them the opportunity to narroate their story
  2. Confirm proof-of-location for validation that they are located in the region where they are sharing images from (timing can be confirmed via the transactions on-chain)
  3. Creating a chain of images displaying their story that can be broadcasted to the world.

This idea was directly inspired by the current circumstance in Iran where there has been a confirmed record of over 350 deaths and 16,000 arrests of protestors. Now these are outrageous protests demanding the moon, they are simply asking for equality as human beings. Due to the severity of the situation, the Iranian government shutdown their internet and in turn, limiting the population to have their voices heard. Although there have been many leaks of the situation, there are numerous cases of fake news invalidating so much of the truth that is taking place. This platform aims to directly impact this situation.

What it does

This platform enables any user to anonymously (via crypto wallet) upload images, videos, gifs and text into the blockchain to be permanently stored and display their past postings on-chain.

How I built it

This was built using various Web3 technologies including Arweave and Bundlr that were simultaneously used to upload and store content on-chain, Solidity was used for the smart contract, Ethers/Wagmi to extract wallet data. At the foundation, React, TypeScript, Chakra UI and Figma were used to design the frontend.

Challenges I ran into

Learning to build with Arweave and Bundlr for the first time. Although it was enjoyable to learn how to build with these tools, I found it difficult navigating a few errors that I faced with uploading. Another issue that I faced was displaying the various content/transactions that were submitted.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

Navigating Web3 tech docs. Building a decentatlized storage platform that has an applicable use case.

What's next for Chowder

Taking this into production. I believe that this is tool that can definitely be used for individuals in severe situations struggling to have their voices heard but want to remain anonymous and protected.

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