Blockchain-Based Reliable Traceability System for Telecom Big Data Transactions

Telecom big data generated by telecom networks have a high economic value. Thus, telecom operators actively explore telecom big data transactions methods to minimize the possibility of leaking users’ privacy. The existing solutions do not allow the data sets to leave the database, instead only allow the buyers to send data mining algorithms to the telecom operator’s platform for training. However, this centralized platform has a high risk of tampering. In addition, the currently existing solutions cannot be used to accurately and quickly trace the information of telecom big data transactions. To address these limitations, we propose a blockchain-based reliable traceability system for telecom big data transactions using smart contracts and the InterPlanetary File System. Two types of smart contracts are developed to store transaction information for tracing. Access control strategies and a reapproval prevention strategy are designed for ensuring the safe operation of the system and avoiding the problem of favoritism and fraud. We use Ethereum as a verification platform to develop and evaluate this system. The implementation of functions, such as purchasing data sets, sending algorithms, obtaining results, and tracing transactions in the smart contract and the implementation of the proposed strategies are verified. The results demonstrate that the performance of the proposed system is better than the existing solutions, and the traceability response time is improved to the order of seconds, so as to realize the safe and efficient traceability of telecom big data transactions. In addition, Ethereum and Hyperledger Fabric v0.6 were discussed to provide insights for future development.