The **BabelFish** is a cryptographic interpreter layer used in the TOWEL identity system. Its role is to **mediate proof requests** between a Vogon (the verifier) and the appropriate **Trust Source** — either the Bureau of Harmony or Fluxus — **based on the Hitchhiker's credentials**.
# What The BabelFish performs three key functions: 1. **Evaluates the Hitchhiker's Trust Alignment** It determines whether the Hitchhiker holds a valid credential issued by: - The **Bureau of Harmony** (via the Tree of Life), or - **Fluxus** (via the Flux Field) 2. **Translates the Request** Based on the Hitchhiker’s trust origin, the BabelFish routes the Vogon’s generic proof request to one of: - **Proof of Harmony** (if the Hitchhiker is Bureau-aligned) - **Proof of Shimmer** (if aligned with Fluxus) 3. **Preserves Steganographic Symmetry** The BabelFish ensures that from the Vogon’s perspective, every request and response looks the same. This protects dissidents from exposure. The Vogon doesn't know what proof it's getting — only that it’s cryptographically valid.
# Why it's called a BabelFish In Hitchhiker's lore, the Babel Fish is a small creature that translates all known languages instantly when inserted into one's ear.
In the TOWEL system, the BabelFish plays a similar role: > Translating identity into cryptographic language**, **interpreting alignment**, and **routing** the correct proof without exposing who the Hitchhiker really is.
# In practice The BabelFish could be implemented as: - A **middleware layer** in the TOWEL wallet app - A **ZK proof engine** that routes through the correct circuit - A **DID + credential resolver** that computes trust origin in a privacy-preserving way The Hitchhiker doesn’t choose what proof to show — the BabelFish decides for them, based on what they hold. This protects the Hitchhiker. It simplifies the Vogon’s job. It keeps both Harmony and Fluxus systems interoperable without compromising safety.