Equilibrando Anonimato e Autenticidade em pesquisas de levantamento: explorando assinaturas em anel vinculáveis como solução

Abstract

Survey research is a systematic method for collecting data and information from a representative sample of a population. However, balancing anonymity and authenticity of participants represents a significant challenge. This research addresses the difficulty of simultaneously ensuring anonymity and authenticity of participants in survey research. Anonymity without authentication can lead to unauthorized participation, while authentication without anonymity can discourage honest responses due to fear of exposure. In light of this, supported by a multi-method strategy based on Design Science Research (DSR), this work aims to develop a model for survey research using the Linkable Ring Signature scheme, which ensures both anonymity and authenticity of participants in survey research. The evaluation was structured into two complementary analytical perspectives, encompassing qualitative and quantitative analyses, respectively. Initially, the qualitative analysis was conducted through a scenario-based approach using representative cases, while the quantitative analysis involved simulations aimed at examining the solution’s performance and verifying its practical feasibility. Overall, the qualitative analysis demonstrated that the model meets the requirements of anonymity and authenticity. Meanwhile, the quantitative analysis showed that the algorithms deliver execution times compatible with large-scale applications. In terms of contributions, the innovative application of the Linkable Ring Signature scheme, originally used in electronic voting, stands out as a solution to the conflict between anonymity and authenticity in survey research, ensuring honest responses and eliminating unauthorized participation. Additionally, this model advances the field of cybersecurity by addressing the growing demand for mechanisms that protect privacy and data integrity in survey research, benefiting both academia and the software industry.