Event at USP discussed the use of Blockchain technology in public policies

People from different academic backgrounds discussed the implications of public policies involving blockchain technology

The blockchain protocol was proposed in 1991; however, it gained notoriety among non-specialists only in 2008 when it was used as one of the technologies that supported the creation of the Bitcoin cryptocurrency. This is the moment in the history of blockchain technology that while several applications are proposed, others are discarded. It is common for certain applications to be consolidated after the initial enthusiasm caused by the introduction of innovative technologies. Bitcoin is one of the most famous cases of application of blockchain, but this technology is not limited exclusively to cryptocurrencies.

The great innovation of this technology is the possibility of building a database that is unalterable and tamper proof, and because of that, governments and companies have been working on solutions for different problems using blockchain. Sweden, for example, has a project to implement a blockchain system to store real estate records, while in Estonia there is a project to use the technology to allow control of health data of patients in a descentralized way.

Even with these new implementations being studied and developed, most discussions about this technology are always centered on “how to” and the immediate benefits of its application in various problems. However, when dealing with public policy and applications involving the whole country, it is necessary to conduct a more comprehensive discussion on the topic.

According to Professor Lucas Lago, a researcher at CEST, “This technology has enormous potential to revolutionize many sectors; however, as these revolutions have impacts that go far beyond the sectors directly affected, society needs to be included in the discussion. So we need to bring to the table people who are interested in the subject and with different academic backgrounds to have a transdisciplinary view on the same subject. “

On 26 October, the CEST (Society and Technology Study Center) organized the first seminar Blockchain Technology for Public Policy that counted with experts in technology and its applications, and scholars who contributed with new perspectives on the topic, fostering a discussion that went beyond the “solution seeking a problem to be applied”, trying to answer the question: what is the benefit that the society will have with this technology?

To see information about the event click here.