0xCDB

0xCDB is a decentralized data storage and exchange protocol designed to enable verifiable data ownership, integrity, and selective sharing across decentralized applications. It is built to complement on-chain transactions by anchoring off-chain data in a verifiable data bundle format called CDBs, which reference data through Merkle roots and cryptographic proofs recorded on the blockchain.

The project was announced in 2020 by a coalition of engineers and researchers. A public beta phase occurred in 2022, and the mainnet deployment followed in 2023, with several partner projects integrating 0xCDB for data provenance, audit trails, and compliant data sharing.

Technically, 0xCDB uses off-chain storage for large datasets while recording authoritative metadata on-chain in a registry of CDBs. Access controls, revocation, and sharing permissions are enforced through smart contracts and cryptographic keys. The protocol includes a native token, called CDB, used for governance, validator staking, and paying for data services.

Governance is organized as a decentralized autonomous organization. Token holders elect validators, propose protocol changes, and vote on budget allocations. The economic model emphasizes sustainable data-access fees and rebates for public-interest data-sharing initiatives.

Use cases span supply-chain provenance, regulatory reporting, digital identities, and privacy-preserving data marketplaces. While proponents highlight improved data traceability and interoperability, critics raise concerns about scalability, latency, centralization of governance, and adherence to evolving privacy regulations.