ConsenSys and BlockApps announced they have partnered with Canonical to deliver Nimbus uPort biometric digital identity tools on Ubuntu mobile phones and tablets.

Canonical is the commercial sponsor of the Ubuntu project and the leading provider of support services for Ubuntu deployments in the enterprise.

The Nimbus / uPort / Ubuntu proof-of-concept will be fully unveiled at Mobile World Congress later this month in Barcelona.

“Canonical is keen to support the development of blockchain applications and their expansion from business cloud solutions to mobile consumer applications,” said Thibaut Rouffineau, head of devices marketing at Canonical. “Working with ConsenSys and BlockApps on building a platform for the consumption and creation of blockchain based mobile apps is the realization of the promise of Ubuntu as the reinvention of personal mobile computing.”

The partnership marks the launch of the “Internet of People” campaign in which Ethereum’s self-sovereign biometric identity tools are used on Ubuntu phones and tablets.

The Nimbus uPort feature ensures the secure interaction of users with the Ethereum blockchain through the biometric security of cryptographic keys.

As a result, users can access Ethereum to use decentralized applications (DApps) and develop Ethereum blockchain software.

The Ubuntu phone allows total control over all data users distribute online including their digital identity.

Using cryptographic keys, consumers will be able to control their digital identity stored securely on their personal device and seamlessly share, manage and protect their personal data.

BlockApps Nimbus is a secure mobile solution for managing identity and transactions on the blockchain. Using biometric and encryption tools, the solution allows users to secure interaction with the Ethereum blockchain.

uPort is the first identity system designed to enable self-sovereign identity, allowing the user to completely control their identity and personal data.

The uPort attestation system allows third party authorities and peers to validate the user’s data and ultimately power solid KYC/AML systems in the financial sector.

Through uPort’s selective disclosure system the user can maintain full control over which of their peers, business partners or counterparties can access their data.

The latest release of Ubuntu for phones and tablets reinvents the personal mobile computing experience, allowing a phone or tablet to act as a full PC.

Ubuntu phones provide the same level of Ubuntu’s security, reliability and respect for user’s confidentiality, as well as builds off a strong relation created on the server and cloud side between Ubuntu and Ethereum.

As a result, these phones and tablets provide the ideal environment for mobile digital identity apps and blockchain based apps.

“A relationship between ConsenSys and Canonical will create a powerful merging of the technological offerings of both organizations,” said Christian Lundkvist, co-founder of uPort. “Powered by the proven Ubuntu operating system integrated with the bleeding edge digital identity tools of uPort, the Ubuntu phone will be a great step towards a fully self-sovereign and completely interconnected world.”

Article Topics

access control | biometric authentication | biometrics | digital identity | mobile app | mobile device | security | smartphones | Ubuntu