Core - Governance & Ethical Guidelines

1. Introduction

Core is the secure identity and authentication system for the Canuckduck ecosystem, ensuring privacy-preserving, verifiable, and decentralized authentication. Core enables trusted user interactions across civic engagement platforms, guaranteeing identity integrity without compromising anonymity. To maintain trust and security, Core operates under a defined governance and ethical framework that upholds privacy, data protection, and equitable access.

2. Governance Structure

A. Decentralized Identity Verification

  • User identity is verified without storing sensitive personal data, ensuring privacy compliance.
  • Tiered authentication levels allow users to engage at different verification levels based on access needs.
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) enhances security for high-privilege actions.

B. Transparency & Public Accountability

  • All authentication processes are audit-ready while maintaining strict user anonymity.
  • No centralized data storage—verification is decentralized and encrypted.
  • System updates, governance decisions, and security audits are publicly documented.

C. Compliance with Global Privacy Standards

  • Core adheres to GDPR, PIPEDA, and other international privacy regulations.
  • User control over personal authentication data is prioritized through self-sovereign identity principles.
  • Compliance reviews are conducted annually with public reports.

3. Ethical Guidelines

A. Privacy & Anonymity Protection

  • Users retain full control over their authentication credentials.
  • No personally identifiable information (PII) is stored or shared beyond verification purposes.
  • Authentication requests are minimal and purpose-driven, avoiding unnecessary data collection.

B. Fair & Equitable Access

  • Core ensures equal access to authentication services without discrimination.
  • Identity verification methods are designed to be inclusive for all users, including those with limited digital access.
  • Accessibility features are integrated to support users with disabilities.

C. Security & Data Integrity

  • Authentication processes are tamper-proof and immutable, preventing fraud.
  • AI-assisted anomaly detection identifies and mitigates unauthorized access attempts.
  • Regular penetration testing and security audits ensure system resilience.

D. No Tracking, No Profiling

  • Core does not track user behavior or store activity logs beyond authentication events.
  • Voting and engagement remain separate from identity verification, ensuring unbiased participation.
  • Zero third-party access to user authentication data.

4. Moderation & Dispute Resolution

A. Transparent Dispute Handling

  • Users can challenge authentication decisions through a structured review process.
  • Disputes are reviewed by a governance panel, with anonymized case handling.
  • Decisions are logged and made available for public accountability.

B. Fraud Prevention & Identity Assurance

  • Anomaly-based fraud detection ensures that identity verification remains tamper-proof.
  • Core has a zero-tolerance policy for identity fraud or misrepresentation.
  • Suspicious activities trigger multi-step verification before action is taken.

5. Integration with the Canuckduck Ecosystem

  • Core authentication is required for access to Consensus (voting), Pond (discussion), and Flightplan (project management).
  • Users authenticate once and securely engage across all Canuckduck platforms.
  • External partners can integrate Core through API-based authentication services, ensuring seamless verification.

6. Enforcement & Continuous Improvement

  • Violations of governance guidelines result in progressive enforcement actions, including revocation of authentication privileges.
  • Guidelines are subject to an annual security review, ensuring alignment with evolving privacy and security best practices.
  • Core remains a community-trusted identity solution, evolving through public feedback and governance updates.

7. Conclusion

Core ensures that secure, private, and decentralized authentication remains at the foundation of trusted civic engagement. By adhering to strict privacy standards, equitable access policies, and transparent governance, Core upholds the integrity of identity verification while ensuring user anonymity.

For further details or governance participation, contact Canuckduck Research Corporation.