Unlike other animals that live in solidarity or small groups, humans possess the unique ability to organize across millions of individuals, relying on trust in central authorities to operate successfully. Unfortunately, civilization’s foundational systems were built for a different era. Trust is eroding as corporations exploit our data and attention for profit, governments social-engineer media to further agendas, and new AI, along with deepfake technologies, threaten our perception of reality.
Blockchain technologies have emerged to build what comes next, replacing systems that demand trust with those that provide proof. These new platforms safeguard fundamental human rights (freedom, privacy, and ownership) by embedding these values directly into the code, rather than relying on ‘Terms of Service’ or other (subject to change at any time) promises.
Shielded Technologies is a spin-out of Input Output, the powerhouse behind the Cardano blockchain. Our mission is to maintain the functioning of civilization in a world where trust is eroding. We aim to achieve that by developing technology products that protect freedoms of association, commerce, and expression. We build blockchain technologies and services that offer privacy without compromising utility or ownership, by enabling rational privacy via selective disclosure and predictable operations.
Our first project, creating and helping launch the Midnight network in partnership with the Midnight Foundation, enables users and businesses to develop decentralized applications and experiences that deliver on the above promises. Many market players have already joined the ecosystem, creating financial, governance, identity, and information solutions for the future.
Shielded is not a typical Web3 venture. Our global team comprises experts from the Magnificent Seven tech companies, including top experts in blockchain, cryptography, finance, and business operations. Beyond acting as the core developers for the Midnight network, Shielded is building tooling, ecosystem ancillary services, private networks, and professional services to support legacy Web2 businesses as they cross the chasm into this new world.
In a world where foundational trust is disappearing, we have a generational opportunity and a profound responsibility to build systems that endure. The Midnight testnet is live today with hordes of developers already building the future. I hope to see many more join us in creating what comes next.
P.S.: While we integrate AI in many of our daily operations and future DApps architecture, this post was authored the old-fashioned way, keeping it succinct. Future posts will delve into our offerings, partnerships, and upcoming endeavors. I hope you enjoy reading all of them.