Storage Client Unit for Blockchain Data Deletion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blockchain technology is not compliant with data protection regulations like DSGVO due to its append-only nature, making it difficult to delete or alter personal data, which is essential for user privacy and compliance.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for processing maintenance information in a distributed database system that allows storing, removing, and updating data using a blockchain component, enabling secure deletion and alteration of data while maintaining data integrity and compliance with regulations by using a storage client unit with STO-API and STA-API to manage references and data blocks linked by cryptographic hashes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blockchain technology is used to store data, then data security and immutability are improved, but data deletion and modification capabilities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data storage into two parts: cryptographic hash values are stored in the blockchain for security and immutability, while the actual personal data is stored in external databases that allow deletion and modification. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by placing different data components in storage systems with appropriate characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cryptographic hash values as an intermediary between the blockchain and personal data. The hash values serve as references that maintain blockchain integrity without storing actual personal data, enabling data deletion while preserving blockchain security and audit trails.
2Reliability
If personal data is stored in blockchain, then data integrity is improved, but compliance with data protection regulations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts personal data from the blockchain structure and stores it in external databases, keeping only cryptographic hash values in the blockchain. This extraction maintains data integrity through hash verification while enabling compliance with GDPR and other regulations that require data deletion capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cryptographic hash values as copies or representations of personal data in the blockchain, rather than storing the actual data. These hash copies maintain data integrity for auditing purposes while the original data can be deleted from external storage to comply with regulations.
3Ease of operation
If data is marked as deleted in blockchain, then data accessibility to users is improved, but data security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cryptographic hash values as intermediaries that allow the system to track and manage data deletion status without exposing actual personal data. When data is deleted, the hash reference in the blockchain can be updated or invalidated, maintaining security while enabling proper deletion tracking.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables secure and compliant deletion and alteration of personal data within blockchain systems, ensuring data integrity and compliance with DSGVO regulations, allowing for complete data removal upon user request and secure storage of maintenance information.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the second distributed database is a blockchain and comprises data blocks, and wherein the data blocks of the second distributed database are interlinked with each other by a cryptographic hash function
Data Source
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Figure 2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a computer implemented method (10) and a processing device (100) for processing maintenance information in a distributed database system (20). In a first step S1 a task (51) from an agent (50) is received by a storage client unit (110), wherein the received task (51) comprises a maintenance operation type and a maintenance operation type dependent maintenance information. The client unit (110) comprises a storage application programming interface STO-API, linking a first database (30) of said distributed database system 20 to the storage client unit (110) and a standard application programming interface STA-API, linking a second distributed database (40) of said distributed database system (20) to the storage client unit (110). In a further step S2 a maintenance operation according to the operation type dependent maintenance information is at least performed in the first database (30) or in at least the first database and the second distributed database (40) of said distributed database system (20) on the basis of the maintenance operation type. In a further step S3 a reference is returned by the storage client unit (110) to the agent (50) depending on the performed maintenance operation. The returned reference is a reference to the maintenance in- formation within the first database (30) of said distributed database system (20). Due to the present invention, blockchain solutions can be used for scenarios where data deleting and altering functionality is required.