Why is DARPA interested in secure messaging system using Blockchain

[kaaliakahn]

DARPA (US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) has released a Request for Proposal for a Secure Messaging Platform using a blockchain framework.

The following is the Objective paragraph from DARPA's call for proposal:
>OBJECTIVE: Create a secure messaging and transaction platform that separates the message creation, from the transfer (transport) and reception of the message using a decentralized messaging backbone to allow anyone anywhere the ability to send a secure message or conduct other transactions across multiple channels traceable in a decentralized ledger.

The request for proposal is available in full, here:
[DARPA Call for Proposal for Secure Messaging Platform.][1]

 - Why are contemporary secure messaging platforms like TextSecure, Cryptocat, XMPP/OTR, Bitmessaging and so many more NOT enough?
  - What do these contemporary solutions lack, as the [Secure Messaging Scorecard][2] suggests many applications have all these features?
 - What does blockchain provide when it comes to Secure Messaging and why it is necessary?

How can Military Interdepartmental Purchase Requests (MIPR) be implmented using the secure ledger or blockchain?

In particular, this paragraph of the proposal is not making sense to me

`The messaging platform would act as the transport for a cyptographically sound record of all transactions whether they be MIPRs, contracts, troop movements or intelligence. Troops on the ground in denied communications environments would have a way to securely communicate back to HQ and DoD back office executives could rest assured that their logistics system is efficient, timely and safe from hackers. The benefits are broad and could even be applied to domains such as space. With crowded skies it’s important to maintain situational awareness of all satellites and those concerned with space situational awareness/telemetry or air traffic control could instantly share data between nations using a separate but equivalent ledger implementation thus removing questions as to the authenticity and integrity of the data.`


What does `transport` mean here?
How does blockchain help troops communicate in denied communication environment help?
I am also not clear about the argument on situational awareness of satellites and how does blockchain enable sharing data between nations.

Simple answers would really help me and others like me. Thanks

  [1]: http://pastebin.com/raQafuTm
  [2]: https://www.eff.org/node/82654

[calkob]

Do they not do crazy shit for the US military?  why wouldnt they be interested in a secure messaging service that involves a blockchain, i know that i am......

[yayayo]

Nice find! I think it is pretty evident that the blockchain could offer a useful documentation and verification service for contractual obligations. I'm not sure if it can serve as a messaging platform, because it might lack the necessary efficiency in terms of speed and capacity. However it could be sufficient for very simple messages.

A possible advantage of using the Bitcoin blockchain could be that the Bitcoin network exists independent of the existing domain name system that is used to route e-mails. The decentralized nature of Bitcoin makes it harder to control/prevent the distribution of messages.

It is very interesting to see official interest in Bitcoin at this stage. Adoption by governmental organizations could happen much sooner than commonly anticipated.

ya.ya.yo!

[Kprawn]

I think it could be a alternative decentralized solution to what they already have and it operates purely on the internet, so it will be difficult to shutdown. If they link this to an address where only they or

the sender have access to the private key, they would be certain that the message was not intercepted. I think this is actually a brilliant and secure way to operate and to validate the sender and the

receiver. If they communicate in code or link a message to the amount of Satoshi's being send, this could easily go unnoticed and would be displayed in public. Example : Send 0.003456 to a specific and

pre-arranged address, if you want an assassin to kill someone.  

[Hyena]

As requested by OP, here's my take on this...

You encrypt your message and publish it on the bitcoin's block chain similarly to how cryptograffiti.info does it. Except that no one is able to understand your message because it is stored on the block chain in an encrypted form. Now you wait for the miners to confirm it and after having enough confirmations you publish the encryption key on the block chain. Now everyone will be able to decrypt your message. Such an approach prevents miners from censoring transactions based on their content. Alternatively you don't publish the encryption key at all because the person who is ought to decrypt your message already has got the key.

[kaaliakahn]

Thanks Hyena and all for your valuable input

[Bit_Happy]

Nice find! I think it is pretty evident that the blockchain could offer a useful documentation and verification service for contractual obligations. I'm not sure if it can serve as a messaging platform, because it might lack the necessary efficiency in terms of speed and capacity. However it could be sufficient for very simple messages.

A possible advantage of using the Bitcoin blockchain could be that the Bitcoin network exists independent of the existing domain name system that is used to route e-mails. The decentralized nature of Bitcoin makes it harder to control/prevent the distribution of messages.

It is very interesting to see official interest in Bitcoin at this stage. Adoption by governmental organizations could happen much sooner than commonly anticipated.

ya.ya.yo!

Adoption by governmental organizations could happen much sooner than commonly anticipated.
The evil plan for Global Blockchain Slavery is coming along, thanks to all the 'libertarians' who helped get us started....





 

[thejaytiesto]

DARPA is building the most advanced robots on earth, I have seen those videos and it's really scary to be honest. Search in youtube for "bostondynamics petman" and you will see the cops of the future. They wil be like terminators. No wonder they want top level encryption, im sure they are dealing with some next level shit.

[Joel_Jantsen]

DARPA is building the most advanced robots on earth, I have seen those videos and it's really scary to be honest. Search in youtube for "bostondynamics petman" and you will see the cops of the future. They wil be like terminators. No wonder they want top level encryption, im sure they are dealing with some next level shit.

Though that doesn't really  make a lot of sense in the mentioned scenario but the following could be an extended application of the system.Not to my surprise ,DARPA is backed by heavy IT giants out there,you can see blockchain as the latest trend they're deploying their projects with.Internet of Things and such.Welcome to the future.