A Blockchain-based federated learning framework for secure aggregation and fair incentives

Abstract

Federated Learning (FL) has gained prominence as a machine learning framework incorporating privacy-preserving mechanisms. However, challenges such as poisoning attacks and free rider attacks underscore the need for advanced security measures. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel framework that integrates federated learning with blockchain technology to facilitate secure model aggregation and fair incentives in untrustworthy environments. The framework designs a reputation evaluation method using quality as an indicator, and a consensus method based on reputation feedback. The trustworthiness of nodes is dynamically assessed to achieve an efficient and trustworthy model aggregation process while avoiding reputation monopolisation. Furthermore, the paper defines a tailored contribution calculation process for nodes in different roles in an untrusted environment. A reward and punishment scheme based on the joint constraints of contribution and reputation is proposed to attract highly qualified workers to actively participate in federated learning tasks. Theoretical analysis and simulation experiments demonstrate the framework's ability to maintain efficient and secure aggregation under a certain degree of attack while achieving fair incentives for each role node with significantly reduced consensus consumption.