The Z-Files

🗺️Project overview The Z-Files is a Web3-based chat bot that empowers whistleblowers and informants to upload files and submit evidence on-chain without revealing their identities. This bot provides a safe, anonymous way to report illicit, unsafe, or fraudulent activities. By enabling secure, decentralized reporting, The Z-Files helps facilitate accountability in environments where traditional methods might expose whistleblowers to retaliation or legal risks.

🙋‍♀️Motivations Whistleblowing is often a courageous act where individuals report illegal or unethical actions within organizations. Despite its importance, whistleblowers frequently face serious threats, from retaliation and social ostracism to life-threatening consequences. On top of this, effective investigations require credible evidence, which can be challenging to provide while maintaining anonymity. There is a pressing need for a system that enables individuals to report sensitive information without risking their safety or career. Existing whistleblowing channels are often insufficient, as they don’t always guarantee complete anonymity or secure data transmission. The Z-Files aims to bridge these gaps with a secure, decentralized Web3 infrastructure.

🎯Objectives • Secure, Decentralized Platform: Develop a safe, decentralized platform for anonymous information sharing and file uploading. • Enhanced Accountability and Transparency: Support organizations and communities in improving accountability through reliable and secure reporting. • Strengthened Community Trust: Create risk-free options for whistleblowing, fostering trust and empowering individuals to report wrongdoing without fear.

💫XMTP Protocol for Enhanced User Experience: The Z-Files uses XMTP’s protocol to provide a smooth, secure user experience. With this protocol, users can interact with a chatbot to create zero-knowledge proofs or join an anonymous group, making it easy to access and use the platform. 🥨Anonymous Groups with Semaphore Integration: Within anonymous groups, we leverage Semaphore to enable quick, secure group creation. Using Semaphore’s smart contracts, The Z-Files connects to Filecoin’s DealClient contract, allowing users to upload files anonymously and securely. 🔎On-Chain Transparency with Blockscout: Every transaction is recorded on-chain for transparency and traceability. Users can view these transactions on Blockscout, ensuring that all interactions are verifiable while maintaining user anonymity.