An Auditable Framework for Evidence Sharing and Management using Smart Lockers and Distributed Technologies: Law Enforcement Use Case

Onyeashie, Belinda; Leimich, Petra; McKeown, Sean; Russell, Gordon

Abstract

This paper presents a decentralised framework for sharing and managing evidence that uses smart lockers, blockchain technology, and the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS). The system incorporates Hyperledger Fabric blockchain for immutability and tamper-proof record keeping and employs cryptographic measures to protect the confidentiality of shared and stored evidence. IPFS is employed for secure and efficient storage of digital evidence, while smart lockers provide a solution for managing physical-digital evidence All actions performed on IPFS or smart lockers are recorded on the blockchain, guaranteeing a comprehensive and auditable chain of custody report at the end of an investigation. The goal of this framework is to improve the security, integrity, and accessibility of all digital evidence types, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of investigative processes.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (Published)
• Conference Name: EAI BDTA 2023 - 13th EAI International Conference on Big Data Technologies and Applications
• Start Date: Aug 23, 2023
• End Date: Aug 24, 2023
• Acceptance Date: Jul 27, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Jan 31, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024
• Deposit Date: Aug 23, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 1, 2025
• Publisher: Springer
• Pages: 156-167
• Series Title: Lecture Notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering
• Series Number: 555
• Series ISSN: 1867-8211
• Book Title: Big Data Technologies and Applications
• ISBN: 978-3-031-52264-2
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-52265-9_11
• Keywords: Blockchain; Smart Locker; Hyperledger; IPFS; Smart Contracts; Encryption
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/3176204