Silencio Utilizes Blockchain and Smartphones to Battle Global Noise Pollution
Summary:
The Silencio Network uses over 35,000 smartphones as sound sensors via the Peaq blockchain ecosystem to combat global noise pollution. Devices in 176 countries contribute "hyper-local" noise pollution data, aiming to reach one million devices in the next year. Founders Thomas and Theo Messerer, who had a personal connection to hearing impairment, view their project as "Web3 citizen science," rewarding participants with tokenized prizes. Data gathered so far indicates a higher level of noise pollution in urban areas, especially in the developing world. While the project respects user privacy by only measuring decibels and anonymizing location information, it provides valuable insights for businesses like hotels, restaurants, and realtors in choosing a location.
The Silencio Network has harnessed the potential of over 35,000 smartphones, turning them into sound detectors through the Peaq blockchain platform, aimed at mitigating the worldwide issue of noise pollution. The Silencio Network revealed its partnership with Peaq on September 19, as it broadens its influence by including an increased number of sound sensor devices. According to Silencio, the sound sensors on its network reach 176 nations, with plans to extend this operation to a million devices by the coming year. The initiative, dubbed as "Web3 citizen science", awards tokenized rewards to individuals contributing to crucial noise pollution data at a localized level. Silencio's co-founders, siblings Thomas and Theo Messerer, told Cointelegraph about the motivation to encode audio data, an idea they conceived two decades ago. Having a parent with hearing impairment sensitized them to noise pollution, and later, their experience deploying Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePINs) in Europe enriched their perspective. Theo Messerer informed Cointelegraph that Silencio has compiled over one billion data points from the 35,000+ devices operating on its network, chiefly from Europe, North America and Southeast Asia. Silencio's explorer maps indicate average noise levels in various countries, with observable trends that urban areas generally have higher levels of noise pollution, particularly in developing nations. He noted that the project is still in its infancy, having begun deploying its technology on smartphones only in February this year. Noise pollution is not only a personal concern but also a global health issue, being one of the leading ailments globally as per the World Health Organization (WHO) data. Peaq's co-founder, Till Wendler, emphasized the potential cost of noise pollution to global GDP, and the importance of using Web3 mechanisms and crowdsourced data to address this crisis. The data offers valuable insights for businesses like hotels, restaurants, and real estate companies, aiding them in wise location selection. Concerning user privacy, Theo explained that various measures are in place to safeguard users. Sound intensity is measured in decibels rather than capturing actual audio content. In terms of location data, users can opt in with explicit consent, and all collected data is anonymized and encrypted within the app. The Silencio solution is part of numerous recent Web3 initiatives that integrate physical devices like smartphones, charging stations, or vehicles to streamline processes and connect with the rapidly growing digital world.
Published At
9/19/2023 9:05:34 AM
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