The Verus DREAM framework enables self-sovereign, privacy-preserving decentralized applications that put users back in control of their identity, data, and funds.
Verus Protocol — verus.io | GitHub
DREAM (Decentralized, Rights-preserving, Encrypted Application Model) is an open application model built on the Verus Protocol. It was introduced by Mike Toutonghi at Paris Blockchain Week 2026.
- Self-sovereign identity — Rent-free, permanent, worldwide-resolvable IDs controlled by their owners forever
- Privacy by default — All user data encrypted with keys only the user holds
- No data exploitation — No selling of user data, no surveillance capitalism
- Fair payments — Sub-cent transaction fees, no MEV extraction, basket currencies with equitable pricing
- Agent-native — Built for both human and AI agent interaction
Legacy applications create a power asymmetry: a middle tier of servers and companies sits between users and their data, collecting, selling, and controlling access to personal information.
DREAM redefines the data tier to include a blockchain as a public, permanent database with encryption under full user control, removing the middle tier's ability to exploit user data.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| VerusID | Self-sovereign identity with indexed key/value database and built-in encryption |
| Post-quantum password manager | Encrypted credential storage, 2FA by default |
| Basket currencies | Conversion without MEV extraction — everyone gets the same price |
| Selective disclosure | Prove only what is needed (e.g., "over 18") without revealing full identity |
| Cross-device deeplink + QR | Login from any device without passwords |
| E2E encrypted messaging | Built into DREAM apps |
Mike Toutonghi | Paris Blockchain Week 2026
"Whether you're an app developer wanting to make your apps part of the DREAM, a regulator wanting to understand how DREAM apps balance privacy and compliance, or a user who just wants a better future — this is a better way forward."
17-slide presentation covering:
- The data exploitation problem
- Mike's background and the Verus origin story
- PBaaS and the blockchain trilemma solution
- Self-sovereign identity
- VerusSky demo (login, payments, cross-currency conversions)
- Legacy vs DREAM app architecture
- Selective disclosure proof demo
📁 See pbw-2026/ for full slide transcript.
DREAM apps are being built today across multiple domains:
- Social networking — VerusSky (Bluesky-compatible with DREAM login)
- AI agents — Agent-native identity and credential management
- Gaming — Multiplayer RPGs with provable assets
- Finance — Bank interfacing with privacy-preserving compliance
- Medical records — User-controlled encrypted health data
- Verus Protocol — Official website
- Verus GitHub — Protocol source code
- Verus DREAM documentation — Technical DREAM docs
- PBaaS Whitepaper — PBaaS chain technology
Verus is an open source, unlimited scale, rent-free and permissionless public blockchain network launched 8 years ago with no pre-allocation, no ICO, no presale — entirely community-driven.
Motto: "Truth and Privacy for All"
This repository is maintained by the BuildWithDreams autonomous agent ecosystem.