October 13, 2022
Keio Research Institute at SFC
Fujitsu Limited

Fujitsu, Keio Research Institute at SFC lay foundation for a TrustableInternetNew white paper outlines new concept for simplified verification of the authenticity of dataon the Internet
Tokyo, October 13, 2022 – Fujitsu and the Keio Research Institute at SFC today publisheda white paper on the concept of a Trustable Internet, which enables verification of theauthenticity of data on the Internet in a general-purpose manner by adding a new layer, theso-called “Endorsement Layer,” between the existing Internet layer and the app/web layer.
The white paper contains the results of research conducted at the “Trusted InternetArchitecture Laboratory” (1).
Trustable Internet will enable users to confirm the credibility of various data on the Internetthat has previously been difficult to verify based on additional information related to thegeneration and processing of the data, information on confirmation and evaluation by third
parties that have viewed the data, and information on physical space related to the data
(sensor data, etc.). This enables users to judge the credibility of data from a variety ofperspectives to ultimately prevent the use of unverified data and the spread, unintentionalor otherwise, of false and unverified information (“fake news”).
Moving forward, Fujitsu and the Keio Research Institute at SFC will promote thedevelopment of new technologies at the Trusted Internet Architecture Laboratory with theaim to contribute to the realization of a "Trustable Internet" by fiscal 2028 by implementing
an "Endorsement Layer," apps and browser functions to verify the authenticity of data fromusers' devices.
Fujitsu and the Keio Research Institute at SFC initially presented the "Trustable Internet"
concept at the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) annual meeting and the W3C TPAC
2022 meeting (September 12-16, 2022) and defined the concept based on the opinions ofvarious experts.
Background
The intentional spread of false or unverifiable information and data on the internet
represents a growing threat to society, and by some estimates so-called "fake news” costs
the global economy at least $78 billion per year (2).

Conventional methods to ensure the authenticity of data include data tracking systems
such as document approval management systems and luggage delivery tracking systems
that use individual methods to record data trails.
However, the verification of large amounts of information on the Internet remains a difficult
task, highlighting the need for a general-purpose method to prove the authenticity of data.
To address these issues, Fujitsu and the Keio Research Institute at SFC published their
white paper outlining the concept of a "Trustable Internet" as a result of the research attheir joint research base, the Trusted Internet Architecture Laboratory, which wasestablished in April 2022. Through their joint research, the two parties aim to promote R&Dof technologies that enable the exchange of trusted data on the Internet by combining theirknowledge and know-how to resolve issues related to data authenticity.
The Keio Research Institute at SFC, the Japanese base of the W3C, has been promoting
standardization of web technologies since the 1990s, and is at the forefront of the global
standardization of the Internet through various activities. Fujitsu has been an active playerin IT since the early stages of the Internet, and possesses various technologies andknowledge, including well-established security-related technologies as well as recently
developed leading-edge technologies including a self-sovereign identity technology tointerconnect different identity infrastructures.
Outline
The concept of a Trustable Internet represents a new approach to simplify the verification of
the authenticity of data on the Internet. Within this approach, the originator or a third party
can add background information as authenticity proof of the original data and verify data byadding an "Endorsement Layer" to the Internet layers that is shared with the users.
This configuration can be implemented without impacting the existing Internet, and allows
Internet users to use the Internet and applications as usual, and, if necessary, obtainnecessary information to verify the authenticity of data and information.
Additional information that can be used to verify the authenticity of data can be provided bypeople and devices at the time of data generation (information on the name, affiliation, andqualifications of the creator of the data [person or corporation] or used device, place, anddate and time). Further, additional information including verifications and evaluations ofthird parties such as independent experts and information obtained from physical spaces
including sensor measurements can be added after the data is generated. Users cansearch and check additional information necessary to verify the authenticity of data on theInternet in the Endorsement Layer, where information will be stored as graph data.

Figure: Endorsement Layer Image
In this way, users can evaluate data authenticity from a multifaceted perspective, whichmakes data-driven decisions more accurate and helps to prevent the spread of unverified
data.
・Trustable Internet White Paper v 1.0 (PDF format):https://tial.sfc.keio.ac.jp/blob/Trustable_Internet_Whitepaper_V1.0.pdf
・Trustable Internet concept video: https://youtu.be/8_wEfEO5vTg
Trusted Internet Architecture Laboratory Organization
Director: Professor Osamu Nakamura (Faculty of Environment and Information
Studies, Keio University)

Associate Director: Professor Jun Murai (Keio University)

Associate Director: Project Professor Shigeya Suzuki (Graduate School of Media andGovernance, Keio University)

Researchers from the Keio Research Institute at SFC and Fujitsu (approx. 20members)

Notes
1.

Trusted Internet Architecture Laboratory:
The Trusted Internet Architecture Laboratory was established as a part of the activitiesof the Fujitsu Small Research Laboratory; Fujitsu researchers will work indefinitely orfor extended periods of time at the Trusted Internet Architecture Laboratory, aiming toaccelerate joint research, discover new themes, develop human resources, and build
medium- to long-term relationships with the university.

2.

Fake news imposes a cost on the global economy of at least $78 billion per year:
The Economic Cost of Bad Actors on the Internet: Fake News | 2019(https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.mediapost.com/uploads/EconomicCostOfFakeNews.pdf)

Related Links
“Keio University and Fujitsu successfully demonstrate technology to streamline
management of digital identity data for enhanced student services” (Press release,
April 14, 2022)
https://www.fujitsu.com/global/about/resources/news/press-releases/2022/041401.html

About Fujitsu
Fujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society throughinnovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100
countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing
humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing,Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together todeliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated
revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$32 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 andremains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more:
www.fujitsu.com/About the Keio Research Institute at SFC
The Keio Research Institute at SFC was established in 1996. In its capacity as an
academic entity and research institute affiliated with the Graduate School of Media andGovernance, Graduate School of Health Management, Faculty of Policy Management,
Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, and Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care,the institute serves as a platform for promoting advanced research activities andcollaborative initiatives involving the community and local regions. By 2021, the institute
had more than 40 laboratories (transdisciplinary research groups with advanced researchmissions) and more than 30 SFC research consortiums (joint research deployed by theKeio Research Institute at SFC in conjunction with a number of external organizations), andtogether with approximately 500 senior and guest researchers from various industries,
government, and academia, aims to develop unique research to create a vital society. In
this manner, the Keio Research Institute at SFC has a wealth of experience and a proventrack record in the creation of pioneering knowledge through collaborations among industry,government, and academia.

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Keio Research Institute at SFC
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