Solid is a decentralized platform for the web where data are managed separately from the application. Users store their own data in personal data stores and can individually grant access to applications. A large number of users on this network provides an opportunity for computing aggregate statistics across user data. However, much of this data may be potentially sensitive, such as medical information. This project will investigate a method of aggregating data, while preserving the privacy of every user. Specifically, using homomorphic encryption, we will be able to securely compute aggregates without knowing the unencrypted value for any user. By implementing this system on the Solid framework, we will demonstrate the practicality of calculating various aggregate statistics, such as sum or average, and how this could be extended to more generalized queries.

Through this SuperUROP, I am excited to apply my experience in web development in a research project that could change application architecture on a fundamental level. Without a doubt, this investigation will give me exciting insight for my future programming endeavors.