TL;DR

Ethereum Tag Service (ETS) introduces a universal tagging system to address redundancy and data silos in existing tagging frameworks. Leveraging blockchain, ETS creates a decentralized, verifiable tag graph where tags are ERC-721 NFTs, enabling flexible reuse and many-to-many data relationships. This standardized tagging infrastructure aims to reduce developer time and costs while boosting data connectivity and user engagement across decentralized social networks. Currently, in the testnet phase, ETS plans to expand by integrating with prominent decentralized platforms.

Project Summary: The Ethereum Tag Service (ETS) aims to address inefficiencies in current web tagging by establishing a universal tagging system. This system seeks to reduce fragmentation and redundancy prevalent due to the monopolistic structures of large social media platforms. Through blockchain technology, ETS provides a decentralized, verifiable tag graph where tags function as ERC-721 NFTs, reusable across records and applications to improve interoperability and user experience on the web.

Objectives:

• Build a Decentralized Tagging Protocol: Develop a universal, blockchain-based tagging system—similar to the Ethereum Name Service, but for tags—to streamline developer workflows and minimize duplicated effort.

• Increase Interoperability: Enable tags to be composable and reusable across various platforms (e.g., Farcaster, Lens, and Mirror), fostering a connected digital ecosystem that links people, places, and things across Web3.

• Enhance User Experience: Offer a global, accessible tagging graph for a comprehensive view of “who tagged what, where, when, and why.”

Innovation: ETS introduces Composable Tags (CTAGs) as dynamic data hubs within the decentralized web, connecting diverse content and entities across the blockchain. This design supports a many-to-many relationship between tags and content, significantly improving web tagging’s efficiency and utility.

Implementation: Tagging Infrastructure: Tags operate as ERC-721 NFTs, granting unique, verifiable ownership and usage rights.

• Relayer System: Uses independently owned smart contracts to record tagging data, providing flexibility and adaptability for developer integrations.

• Cross-Platform Integration: Plans to enable compatibility with major decentralized platforms, showcasing ETS’s functionality and encouraging widespread adoption.

Current Status:

• Prototype: Currently operating a proof-of-concept on Arbitrum Sepolia, with ongoing expansion in use cases and functionality.
• Funding: Self-funded with additional support from grants; no venture capital has been accepted, nor have tokens been issued. Additional funding is being sought to further development.
• Open Source Commitment: While the project is currently closed source, we are fully committed to open-sourcing it upon testnet launch to drive community involvement and collaborative development.

Use of Funds:

• Development: Advancing the ETS protocol and expanding integration with other blockchain layers and applications. Community Building and Management: Growing the team and fostering an engaged community around ETS for support and continuous feedback.

• Outreach and Education: Initiatives aimed at educating developers and users on the advantages of a decentralized tagging system.

Impact on the Ethereum Ecosystem:

ETS aims to emulate the success of the Ethereum Name Service, creating a new Web3 primitive that enhances privacy, interoperability, and user experience. By decentralizing tagging, ETS will support seamless interactions and integrations across the Ethereum ecosystem, building a more robust and user-friendly digital environment for developers and users alike.

Team Members:

• MHPALER: Co-founder & Lead Architect
• Sero: Co-founder, Project Manager & Software Engineer
• Vid: Frontend Software Engineer
• Sasquatch: Financial Manager

With an experienced team and a visionary approach, Ethereum Tag Service is well-positioned to revolutionize web tagging and make a meaningful contribution to the Ethereum ecosystem. We believe that with support from Gitcoin Grants, ETS can reach its full potential, advancing a more open, interoperable, and user-centric web.