Blockchain’s potential uses in government are generating widespread interest. Blockchain’s potential to enhance the public sector has prompted governments to begin testing the technology. The public sector’s implementation of the technology, however, is still in the testing phase.
There is a possibility that governments may transition away from centralised systems that are insecure and towards alternatives that are decentralised and based on blockchain technology. The implementation of public blockchains has the potential to bring about fundamental changes across the board in terms of the organisational structures that underpin governmental departments.
Key governmental processes may be sped up using blockchain technology. These services include things like checking people’s IDs and providing official stamps of approval on things like medical records and property deeds.
For what reasons should governments adopt blockchain?
Introducing blockchain technology into state government systems has several potential benefits. Governments have an essential function in the safekeeping and management of confidential data. Information regarding citizens, property, organisations, and government actions is kept by states.
Keeping private information secret while storing critical public data can be difficult and expensive. The governments of the first world are not immune to the problem of data leaks.
It’s possible that using blockchain technology may make it simpler for governments to manage sensitive data. The government is able to accomplish this goal while also protecting the integrity of the data and restricting unauthorised access.
Blockchain technology combats government corruption
In many online government services, blockchain could replace the need for middlemen. Because of this, it plays a special part in the fight against corruption in the government.
The mix of security and convenience that this technology offers in terms of record keeping is astounding. When warranted, blockchains can enable states to operate with a decentralised model. Such methods improve trust, auditability, and smart contract capabilities in real-time.
Also Read: Decentralisation, AI, and blockchain: Crafting the future of civilization
By utilising blockchain technology, the government has the potential to become more efficient while also increasing citizen participation. With the assistance of technology, the operation of the government can also be made more straightforward.
Blockchain technology improves openness in funding distribution
Every year, a number of national governments hand over millions of dollars to fund a wide range of charitable organisations. Humanitarian aid, social assistance, educational assistance, artistic endeavours, and other forms of assistance are among the most important of these.
The procedure of grant disbursements is notorious for being murky, confusing, and wasteful in the vast majority of cases. During this procedure, economic rents are at a high level, and a significant portion of the money is paid out in the form of third-party fees and banking expenses.
Blockchain technology could be implemented for use in e-voting
The security of people’s votes is becoming a source of concern for an increasing number of individuals. Concerns that never go away include those regarding the authenticity of voter registration, the level of voter engagement, and the convenience of access to polling places.
The use of voting systems that are founded on blockchain technology has the potential to improve these vital aspects of democratic proceedings. The characteristics of blockchain technology are immutability, security, transparency, and independence from a centralised authority. These characteristics have the ability to raise voter turnout while simultaneously lowering the number of cases of fraudulent voting.
Because of the significance of elections, using an electronic voting system that is based on blockchain technology would be able to reduce the likelihood of voter manipulation and keep the integrity of the voting process intact.
—
Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic
Join our e27 Telegram group, FB community, or like the e27 Facebook page
Image credit: Canva
The post How the blockchain could change the way the government works appeared first on e27.