Blockchain Consumer Data Management System

Key Glossary

Term Definitions Blockchain A decentralized distributed ledger technology used to record transaction data and ensure data security and transparency. Tenant refers to a merchant or business using a cloud service such as Commerce Cloud. Global ID A unique identifier created by the system for each consumer, used to associate a consumer's data across tenants. Candidate Record When the system finds that two customer records may belong to the same person, it generates a candidate record containing the merged data. Consensus Mechanism A mechanism used in a blockchain network to verify transactions and add them to the blockchain, such as Proof of Work (PoW) or Proof of Stake (PoS). Permissioned Blockchain A blockchain network that requires special permissions to access and write information, typically used for enterprise applications. Access Control Layer A component in a permissioned blockchain that controls which participants can access which data and functions. Zero-knowledge Proof A cryptographic protocol that allows one party (the prover) to prove to another party (the verifier) that a certain assertion is correct without revealing any additional information. Smart Contract A self-executing contract stored on a blockchain that automatically triggers execution when pre-set conditions are met.

Short Answer Question

What problem does the Salesforce Blockchain Consumer Data Management System aim to solve?

The system aims to solve the problem of isolated merchant data in traditional consumer reward programs, as well as the difficulty of cross-merchant data verification and merging. Through blockchain technology, the system can securely associate and merge consumer data stored by different merchants, and realize the cross-merchant use of consumer reward points.

What are "tenants" and what role do they play in the system?

"Tenants" refer to merchants or enterprises using Salesforce cloud services. In the system, tenants can upload and manage their own consumer data and choose whether to participate in data merging and reward programs.

How does the system ensure the privacy of consumer data?

The system protects consumer privacy in many ways, such as using global IDs to replace sensitive personal information, using zero-knowledge proof protocols for identity authentication, and allowing consumers to selectively share data and revoke authorization.

What is a "candidate record" and what role does it play in the data merging process?

When the system finds that two customer records may belong to the same person based on matching rules, a candidate record is generated, which contains the merged data. Candidate records need to be confirmed by users or tenants before they can be finally merged into the blockchain.

How does the system use blockchain technology to achieve data security and transparency?

The decentralized and tamper-proof characteristics of blockchain technology ensure data security and transparency. All transaction records are stored on the blockchain, which can be viewed and verified by any participant, but the data cannot be modified at will.

How does the system handle the situation where the consumer refuses to merge the data?

If the consumer refuses to merge the data, the system will respect their choice and will not force the merge. The merchant can choose to only update the record in the local database, or continue to treat the two records as different users.

How does the system use smart contracts to simplify the data merging process?

Smart contracts can automatically execute pre-defined rules and actions to simplify the data merging process. For example, a smart contract can be set up to automatically merge candidate records onto the blockchain after the user confirms the identity.

What is the difference between "permissioned blockchain" and "public blockchain"?

"Permissioned blockchain" requires special permissions to access and write information, and is usually used for enterprise-level applications; while "public blockchain" allows anyone to join the network and participate in transaction verification, such as the Bitcoin network.

What is the role of the "access control layer" in this system?

The "access control layer" is used to control which participants can access which data and functions. For example, merchants can be restricted to access only their own customers' data, but not other merchants' data.

How does the system use zero-knowledge proof protocols for identity authentication?

Zero-knowledge proof protocols allow users to prove that they have a certain identity or permission without revealing any sensitive information. For example, a user can use a zero-knowledge proof protocol to prove that they have an account corresponding to a global ID without revealing information such as username and password.

Paper title

Analyze how the Salesforce blockchain consumer data management system balances the relationship between consumer privacy and data sharing.

Explore the application of zero-knowledge proof protocols in this system and its significance for improving data security and privacy protection.

Compare and contrast the applicability of "permissioned blockchain" and "public blockchain" in this system, and analyze their advantages and disadvantages.

Assuming that you are a tenant (merchant), please analyze the potential benefits and challenges of participating in the Salesforce blockchain consumer data management system for you.

Predict the challenges that the system may face in the future and propose corresponding solutions to ensure its sustainable development.