DIDMail

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  DIDMail Server HomePage

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  DIDMail Server operators must first purchase a node NFT, then stake both the NFT and a certain amount of tokens.

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  DIDMail Server creates and publishes an Envelope NFT Factory, which users can select from when sending emails.

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  The DIDMail server stores encrypted emails sent by users, making them available for download within a specified time period.

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  The DIDMail client, developed as a Chrome extension, supports multiple users.

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  The DIDMail client, developed as a Chrome extension, supports multiple users.

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  The DIDMail client allows users to select the service node for sending emails.

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  Before sending an email, the DIDMail client requires users to select an NFT envelope.

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  An encrypted email was successfully sent.

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  This is an encrypted email.

Inspiration

The inspiration for DIDMail comes from combining decentralized identity (DID), blockchain technology, and modern cryptography to create a truly decentralized secure communication system. We observed that:

• ArcBlock's DID system provides a solid foundation for identity verification
• Blockchain technology can be used to create a decentralized email service discovery mechanism
• ED25519 and Curve25519 algorithms can achieve efficient encryption and key exchange
• NFT technology can be innovatively used for email notifications and service staking

The combination of these elements provides the possibility to create a secure, private, and decentralized email system.

What it does

DIDMail is a decentralized encrypted email system based on the ArcBlock platform, featuring the following core functionalities:

1. A discovery mechanism for email service nodes based on NFT and Token staking.
2. End-to-end encryption and decryption of email content, with local encrypted storage.
3. An NFT-based email notification mechanism.
4. A smart contract-based revenue sharing mechanism for operators and developers.

How we built it

We developed the DIDMail server blocklet on the ArcBlock platform, allowing anyone to deploy and operate service nodes. To operate a service node:

1. Purchase a DIDMailServerNode NFT, which includes the service node's endpoint address.
2. Stake the NFT and ABT tokens. DIDMail clients discover service nodes through on-chain staking transactions.
3. Create an email envelope NFT factory, allowing email senders to choose envelopes for recipients. These envelopes contain the email download address and serve as download credentials.

The email client is a Chrome extension that can create, import, and manage DIDMail accounts for sending, receiving, and storing encrypted emails. Before sending an email, users must select a service node and an envelope. Based on the service node's envelope pricing, a certain amount of tokens must be transferred to the account.

Challenges we ran into

While ArcBlock is the perfect platform for building DApps, mastering this knowledge, shifting from traditional application development thinking, and building a truly decentralized application remains challenging. Designing an application that allows operators to sustainably profit while providing real value to users is an ongoing exploration process.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

• Innovative use of NFTs for service staking and email notification mechanisms
• Implementation of true end-to-end encryption, ensuring user privacy
• Creation of a decentralized yet user-friendly email interface
• Successful integration of DID, blockchain, and NFT technologies
• Although DIDMail is still a demo, we're proud to have successfully developed a decentralized email system based on ArcBlock and to showcase it to everyone.

What we learned

1. Web3 and DApps should be built on open protocols, divided into server and client sides
2. Decentralized applications should allow anyone to deploy and operate servers, providing differentiated services
3. Users should be free to choose service providers and clients
4. Open protocols are the foundation of decentralized applications, promoting interoperability and innovation
5. True decentralization involves the distribution of power and choice, not just technical decentralization
6. A healthy DApp ecosystem requires multi-party participation and continuous innovation
7. While maintaining the essence of decentralization, it's necessary to explore sustainable business models
8. User experience is crucial for the adoption of decentralized applications
9. In a decentralized environment, privacy and security implementation needs to be rethought

What's next for DIDMail

1. DAO governance for service nodes, including penalties for unstable services and compensation for users
2. Service node operation tools to provide diverse services and reduce node operation costs
3. Continuous improvement of client usability, stability, security, and more convenient basic features
4. Decentralized encrypted address book for easy identification of email senders and recipients
5. Introduction of decentralized storage for easy email backup and migration
6. Internationalization and localization
7. Multi-client development

Built With

• arcblock
• chrome
• express.js
• indexdb
• nextjs
• react
• sqlite
• typescript