How CLAW Works
A decentralized pipeline that transforms raw data demand into verified, rewarded contributions. Six steps. Zero trust assumptions. Full transparency.
Demand
AI teams define what they need
Companies and research labs post dataset missions to the CLAW network. Each mission specifies the exact data type, quality requirements, format constraints, volume targets, and the reward pool allocated for contributors.
- Mission specs include resolution, format, and metadata requirements
- Reward pools are locked in escrow before missions go live
- Teams can set geographic, temporal, or demographic constraints
Shard
Missions become atomic work units
The protocol automatically decomposes each mission into shards - small, independent units of data collection work. Each shard represents a single contribution that one person can complete. Shards have unique identifiers and inherit mission parameters.
- Shards are deterministically generated from mission parameters
- Each shard has a unique hash linking it to the parent mission
- Shard difficulty and reward are calibrated to task complexity
Claim
Contributors reserve their work
Contributors browse the shard marketplace, filter by mission type, reward level, and difficulty, then claim shards they want to work on. Claiming creates a time-locked commitment - you have a window to deliver before the shard expires back to the pool.
- Claims are recorded on-chain with a time-lock period
- Contributors can hold multiple active claims simultaneously
- Reputation score affects claim priority for high-value shards
Submit
Upload your data contribution
Capture the data according to mission specifications and upload it through the CLAW client. Every submission is hashed, timestamped, and linked to your wallet address. The raw data is stored encrypted, and only the hash and metadata go on-chain.
- Client-side encryption before upload ensures data privacy
- Submissions generate a cryptographic proof-of-data (PoD) hash
- Metadata includes capture device, timestamp, and geolocation if required
Validate
Multi-layer quality assurance
Submitted data passes through automated quality checks (format, resolution, duplicate detection, compliance) followed by peer validation from experienced contributors. Validators stake reputation on their assessments and earn rewards for accurate reviews.
- Automated pipeline checks format, quality, and uniqueness
- Peer validators are selected based on expertise and reputation
- Dispute resolution protocol handles contested validations
Reward
Earn CLAW for verified data
Once validation passes, CLAW tokens are released from the mission escrow to your wallet. Reward amounts scale with quality score, data rarity, delivery speed, and contributor reputation. Top performers unlock bonus multipliers and priority access to premium missions.
- Rewards are calculated from quality score, speed, and rarity
- Bonus multipliers for consistent high-quality contributions
- Validator rewards are separate from contributor rewards
Core Principles
The design philosophy behind the Proof of Data network.
Cryptographic Proof
Every data contribution generates an immutable hash. Provenance is never ambiguous.
Instant Settlement
Rewards are released the moment validation completes. No invoices, no delays.
Global Access
Anyone with a wallet can contribute. No gatekeepers, no geography restrictions.
Quality First
Multi-layer validation ensures only high-quality data enters the network.
Transparent Metrics
All network stats, reward distributions, and validation rates are publicly verifiable.
Community Governed
Protocol upgrades and parameter changes are decided by active contributors.