Chainlink Acquires Blockchain Oracle Solution From Cornell University

Chainlink has acquired privacy-focused oracle solution DECO from Cornell University. The data feed system is also drafting a second white paper for the project.

AccessTimeIconAug 29, 2020 at 4:40 a.m. UTC
Updated Sep 14, 2021 at 9:49 a.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

Chainlink has acquired Cornell University’s privacy oracle solution DECO for an undisclosed amount. This is Chainlink's second acquisition to date, according to an announcement made by the firm on Saturday.

DECO was co-created by Ari Juels, former chief scientist at digital security firm RSA. He will also join Chainlink Labs under the same title.

Moreover, Chainlink co-founder Sergey Nazarov and Juels have begun drafting a second Chainlink white paper, according to a phone interview with the pair. The duo authored the original Chainlink white paper with CTO Steve Ellis in 2017.

Chainlink’s oracle solution ports data from off-chain locations into blockchain smart contracts. For example, Chainlink provides data information for most decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, such as dYdX’s crypto derivative products

DECO claims to leverage how HTTPS/TLS information is transmitted for more secure web practices, according to a release from the firm.

“DECO is also useful for users who want to monetize their own data (and therefore prove that they are indeed providing correct data) without giving away anything but the data that they are selling,” DECO’s website reads.

Decentralized credit

Nazarov said DECO can be used as a foundation for a few crypto wish list items, such as permissionless credit or decentralized identification.

For example, he said DECO can prove a person is over 18 by pulling data from a DMV while hiding the individual's birth date.

This could be further applied to the golden apple of decentralized finance, permissionless credit systems. Nazarov said an oracle like DECO could one day allow a smart contract to query off-chain credit information such as banking records without overreaching into personal data.

“DECO is the way a lot of collateral will make its way to DeFi,” Nazarov said.

Juels told CoinDesk this privacy is possible through DECO’s incorporation of zero-knowledge proofs, popularized in cryptocurrency circles by the privacy coin zcash (ZEC).

Disclosure

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.


Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.