RUBI: A Self-Sovereign Identity-Based Retroactive UBI System - Seeking Community Feedback

Dear W3C-CCG Community,

 

I hope you're doing well.

 

I wanted to share an idea that intersects Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI),
decentralized governance, and Universal Basic Income (UBI): Retroactive
Universal Basic Income (RUBI). I have attached a one-page explanation of the
concept, breaking down the mechanics.

 

What is RUBI?

 

RUBI is a framework that proposes a globally governed, open-source monetary
system where:

*	Personhood credentials (SSI-based) ensure UBI eligibility while
preventing fraud.
*	Democratic governance enables citizens to vote on UBI rates and
demurrage policies.
*	Retroactive UBI ensures individuals receive compensation based on
their birthdate, correcting past economic exclusion.
*	Interoperable and competing digital currencies operate with
open-source governance to prevent speculation.

 

Seeking Community Feedback

 

I would love to hear your thoughts on any aspect of this concept, whether
from a technical, governance, economic, or interoperability perspective.

Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

*	The feasibility of integrating SSI-based personhood verification
into such a system.
*	Political possibilities of making such a system come to reality.
*	Design considerations for privacy.
*	Potential alignment with existing decentralized identity frameworks
or monetary governance models.
*	Broader implications and challenges of a retroactive UBI approach
within a decentralized ecosystem.

 

I understand that UBI itself can be a controversial topic, and I welcome
discussions on its feasibility, having worked with the International
Movement for Monetary Reform (IMMR) on sovereign monetary policies. However,
I wanted to keep this conversation focused on the identity, governance, and
interoperability aspects. If anyone is interested, I'd be happy to elaborate
on the economic rationale separately.

 

Why I'm Sharing This Here

As someone early in my career and transitioning from a technical background
into public policy, I want to ensure that I take a well-informed approach in
integrating governance and identity frameworks into broader economic
systems. I greatly value the experience and insights of this community and
would appreciate any perspectives-whether on feasibility, challenges, or
alternative approaches-that could help refine this idea.

 

I would also like to extend special thanks to Manu and Harrison, who
encouraged me to step forward and participate in this discussion rather than
hesitating. Their encouragement means a lot.

            

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

 

Best,
Nivas Sivaprakasam
Exploring SSI & Monetary Reform for Global Inclusion

Nivas Sivaprakasam | LinkedIn
<https://www.linkedin.com/in/nivas-sivaprakasam-57972128/>