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Newswise — Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University have created CHASER, a new blockchain-based incentive system that makes mobile crowdsensing easier and safer. Mobile crowdsensing is a method of collecting data using mobile devices and everyday users. However, traditional systems often face problems with privacy, data security, and too much centralized control.

From Overwhelmed Supermarkets to Self-Checkout Efficiency

To understand CHASER’s benefits, imagine a traditional crowdsensing platform as a supermarket managed by one cashier. If that single cashier gets overwhelmed or compromised, the entire operation can halt. CHASER, however, turns this scenario into a self-checkout marketplace. In this setup, smart contracts work like automated, unbiased cashiers that handle transactions fairly, privately, and without slowdowns.

Empowering Participation: Fairness, Transparency, and Rock-Solid Data Security

CHASER stands out because it promotes high user participation by ensuring fairness and transparency. It protects user identities with advanced encryption methods, keeping personal data safe. This results in a more reliable and efficient data collection process that can benefit many areas, from urban planning to environmental monitoring.

“CHASER is more than just a new system—it’s a transformative leap that ensures every participant’s contribution is valued and securely managed,” says Prof. Yuan Luo, the lead researcher.

Raising the Bar: Enhanced Social Welfare with Unmatched Reliability

The research shows that CHASER benefits all participants and boosts overall social welfare. This means the people who provide data and those who collect it enjoy better outcomes than older systems (i.e., PROM-F, PROM-M, and RBSM). CHASER uses strong anonymity and data protection measures to prevent misuse of sensitive information, and it consistently achieves a task completion rate above 80%, even on a large scale, proving its reliability.

Seamless Automation: Harnessing Blockchain and zk-SNARK for Swift, Secure Transactions

The researchers implemented smart contracts within a blockchain framework to automatically manage tasks, payments, and verifications. This automation reduces human errors and speeds up the process. Additionally, CHASER uses a unique cryptographic method known as zk-SNARK, which allows for quick transaction verification while keeping users anonymous.

Overall, the study marks a significant step in developing decentralized systems that balance user incentives, data protection, and operational efficiency—a key milestone in applying blockchain technology to everyday challenges. The complete study is accessible via DOI: 10.1007/ s11704-024-3542-1.