Decentralized Document Storage and Retrieval Using Blockchain, IPFS, and QR Code Technology for Secure and Tamper-Proof Access

Abstract

Securing the integrity, accessibility, and authenticity of digital documents in sectors such as education, healthcare, and corporate governance is of utmost importance. This work proposes an IPFS and QR code-based document storage system on blockchain that offers a decentralized, tamper-evident, and readily accessible solution. The system uses smart contracts on the Ethereum Sepolia Testnet to hold document metadata and securely host the documents themselves on IPFS. In contrast to conventional verification-based methods, this system creates a QR code that points directly to the document's IPFS address, allowing easy access without the need for intermediaries. By removing reliance on centralized bodies, this method guarantees immutability, transparency, and protection against fraud while providing a scalable and economical solution for secure document storage. Through Web3 authentication, smart contracts, and decentralized storage, this study identifies the possibility of blockchain technology in transforming digital document availability.