I'm curious as an engineer: What kind of infrastructure would we need to set up an open source local council? Specifically, regarding privacy, would using Zero Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) be sufficient to ensure that users can vote while keeping their identities and votes confidential? Many times, I've tried to get my local council to show me how my tax money is spent, but they've never provided a clear breakdown. Ideally, I envision a system where I can just log in, see a dashboard, report issues like potholes, and track their resolution alongside others in the community.
4 Answers
Honestly, mixing ZKPs in here seems off-base when the core issue is transparency in council spending. Politicians often lack accountability, which reflects a culture of corruption. In many areas, it’s less about if you voted and more about how funds are mismanaged. Voting just adds a layer to it.
You're intertwining different questions, but they all have the same base answer: the tech is there and straightforward to implement. For instance, ZKPs don't really enhance voting itself, but there are solid protocols for elections. Budgeting tools and tracking systems have been around since the '80s. So why are we still stuck without them? It boils down to social acceptance — how do we persuade councils and the public to adopt these solutions? Plus, who gets to control access to these systems, since that can impact democracy?
Great points! By the way, do you think it's possible to create a system that doesn’t rely on trusting a single individual?
Exactly! I worry about the dystopian trends we see in legislation like the Online Safety Act, but as an engineer, I believe we can create better systems. Are there any existing initiatives like this that we know of?
This isn't just about tech; it's fundamentally a social issue. Open government principles play a huge role here.
I see what you're saying, but isn't there a blend of technology and social interaction happening right now? We're discussing this online thanks to technical tools!
The technical side isn't too difficult. You could purchase existing solutions and customize them for your needs. The real challenge is getting people onboard. It seems like many in politics struggle to embrace technology.
I think ZKPs are relevant, especially if you consider the risks for individuals giving feedback. People should be able to voice concerns without fearing repercussions.