Zing

Attribution Ledger

The Attribution Ledger is an immutable record on Sui that links AI outputs back to specific Walrus Blob IDs. This ensures creators are properly credited whenever their content is used by AI agents.

Status: Attribution Ledger is currently in development. The API endpoints below represent the planned implementation.

Overview

Every time an AI agent queries and uses content from the Knowledge Graph, an immutable record is created:

AI Output → Attribution Ledger → Source Walrus Blob → Creator
     ↓
Immutable record ensures:
- Creator gets credited
- Usage is transparent
- Royalties are tracked

The Attribution Record Model

Properties

  • Name
    id
    Type
    string
    Description

    Unique identifier for the attribution record.

  • Name
    query_id
    Type
    string
    Description

    The Pay-Per-Query transaction ID.

  • Name
    triple_id
    Type
    string
    Description

    The knowledge triple that was accessed.

  • Name
    blob_id
    Type
    string
    Description

    The source Walrus blob ID.

  • Name
    creator
    Type
    string
    Description

    The creator's Sui address.

  • Name
    query_creator
    Type
    string
    Description

    The AI agent/researcher who queried.

  • Name
    usage_purpose
    Type
    string
    Description

    Declared purpose of the query.

  • Name
    created_at
    Type
    timestamp
    Description

    When the attribution was recorded.

  • Name
    fee_paid
    Type
    string
    Description

    The fee paid for this query.

GET/v1/attribution/creator

Query Attribution History

Get attribution records for a creator (as creator).

Query parameters

  • Name
    start_date
    Type
    timestamp
    Description

    Filter records from this date.

  • Name
    end_date
    Type
    timestamp
    Description

    Filter records until this date.

  • Name
    limit
    Type
    integer
    Description

    Number of results (default: 10).

Request

GET
/v1/attribution/creator
curl https://api.zing.protocol/v1/attribution/creator \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer {jwt_token}"
GET/v1/attribution/stats

Get Attribution Stats

Get aggregated attribution statistics for the authenticated creator.

Request

GET
/v1/attribution/stats
curl https://api.zing.protocol/v1/attribution/stats \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer {jwt_token}"
GET/v1/attribution/verify

Verify Attribution

Verify if content was properly attributed. Used to check if usage was recorded.

Query parameters

  • Name
    blob_id
    Type
    string
    Description

    The Walrus blob ID to verify.

  • Name
    query_id
    Type
    string
    Description

    Optional specific query ID to check.

Request

GET
/v1/attribution/verify
curl "https://api.zing.protocol/v1/attribution/verify?blob_id=walrus_blob_abc123" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer {jwt_token}"

How Attribution Works

1. AI Agent initiates query
         ↓
2. Triple data unlocked via PPQ
         ↓
3. Attribution record created atomically:
   ┌────────────────────────────────────────┐
   │  ON-CHAIN ATTRIBUTION RECORD            │
   │                                         │
   │  triple_id → blob_id → creator         │
   │  query_id → query_creator              │
   │  purpose → fee_paid → timestamp       │
   └────────────────────────────────────────┘
         ↓
4. Record immutable on Sui blockchain
         ↓
5. Creator can view in dashboard
         ↓
6. Fees tracked for royalty reporting

Attribution Dashboard

Creators can view:

MetricDescription
Total AttributionsNumber of times content was queried
Unique AgentsNumber of different AI agents
Fees EarnedTotal PPQ fees from attribution
Top ContentMost frequently accessed articles
Usage by PurposeBreakdown of how content is used

Royalty Tracking

Attribution records feed into the royalty system:

// Creator royalty calculation
const royalties = {
  membership_fees: '500.00', // From memberships
  donation_fees: '50.00', // From donations
  ppq_royalties: '1.25', // From AI attribution
  total: '551.25',
}

// 80% to creator, 20% platform
const creator_share = parseFloat(royalties.ppq_royalties) * 0.8 // $1.00

Benefits

For CreatorsFor AI Agents
Transparent usage trackingCompliant data access
Royalties from AI usageClear attribution records
Insight into content valueAudit trail for outputs
Control over data licensingDirect payment to creators

Compliance

Creator Consent: Content on Zing Protocol is opt-in for Knowledge Graph inclusion. Creators choose which content to expose.

Immutable Records: Attribution records cannot be altered or deleted, ensuring long-term auditability.

Transparent Fees: All PPQ fees are tracked and traceable to specific content access.

Future Features

  • Attestation API - AI agents can request usage attestations
  • License Integration - Different license types per content
  • Cross-Platform Attribution - Track usage across platforms

Next Steps

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