Encoded Data Degradation for Verifiable Information Destruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a reliable system to demonstrate the destruction of time-sensitive digital information, as existing methods are susceptible to false declarations of deletion and lack assurance that information is no longer retrievable.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for storing and verifying the degradation of digitally encoded information by introducing errors or erasures over time, using error correction codes and parity symbols, with a public record of changes and hashing with timestamps published in a blockchain, ensuring information is irretrievable after a defined lifetime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If information is stored for extended periods, then data retention requirements are met, but reliability of destruction verification deteriorates due to potential false declarations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by embedding verification mechanisms (hashes, timestamps, blockchain records) into the data file at the moment of creation and throughout its lifecycle. These preliminary embedded elements enable future verification of both existence and destruction, solving the reliability problem without requiring extended storage periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by creating immutable records of data states at various points in time through blockchain technology. Each modification, access, or destruction event is recorded and verifiable, providing continuous feedback that confirms the data's status and enables reliable verification of destruction after any retention period.
2Loss of information
If errors or erasures are introduced to destroy information, then information irretrievability is achieved, but device complexity increases due to verification systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical or physical verification mechanisms with cryptographic and information-theoretic approaches. By using hash functions, error-correcting codes, and blockchain consensus mechanisms, the system achieves reliable verification without requiring complex hardware or manual verification procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates cryptographic copies (hashes) of the data that are much simpler to store and verify than the original data. These hash copies serve as verification tokens that can be stored on blockchain networks, providing a lightweight yet robust verification mechanism that doesn't require complex systems.
3Reliability
If cumulative changes are made over time, then information destruction is proven, but measurement precision requirements increase to track changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses parameter changes in the form of cryptographic hash values to track data state changes. Instead of tracking every individual modification with high precision, the system monitors changes in hash parameters, which inherently capture all modifications. This approach provides reliable destruction proof without requiring precise tracking of each individual change.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial monitoring by focusing on key verification points (creation, modification, destruction) rather than continuously tracking every state change. By recording data at these critical points and using blockchain immutability, the system achieves reliable destruction verification without the excessive precision requirements of continuous monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
Digital data archival methods and systems are described, providing controlled and verifiable information destruction. In one embodiment, the method comprises storing digitally encoded information, wherein the information is encoded as a sequence of numbers or symbols using parameters defining an associated error correction ability of an error correcting algorithm based on a lifetime of the digitally encoded information. Errors are periodically added to the sequence of numbers or symbols, such that the digitally encoded information is recoverable from the sequence of numbers or symbols during the defined lifetime, and after a total of number of added errors exceeds the associated error correction ability, the digitally encoded information cannot be retrieved.