sCrypt recently hosted a four-day BSV Blockchain Hackathon at the University of Exeter. The workshop covered various topics, including envisioning Web3 on the blockchain, utilising technologies like XML and XBRL for extensible web pages, discussing the potential of monitoring global goods movements in logistics, and addressing challenges in ensuring privacy and confidentiality in online voting systems.
The hackathon also included a workshop on Access Control and Selective Disclosure in Bitcoin-layered networks led by Dr Craig S Wright, Technical Advisor at nChain.
Envisioning Web3 on Blockchain
Wright introduced the workshop by asking participants what the difference is between web1 and Web2, which consists of the addition of databases for interaction. He hinted that blockchain could extend this capacity by using the blockchain for indexing. The transaction format of Bitcoin makes it natively fit into NoSQL, Aerospike and other similar systems. He also introduced the idea of redactable contracts, allowing selective disclosure of information while maintaining document integrity, which allows for a range of applications.
Wright discussed the utilisation of technologies like XML and XBRL to enable extensible web pages, allowing customisation based on user interaction and data retrieval from databases.
He introduced concepts like broadcast encryption and trader tracing, emphasising their potential applications in confidentiality and trade. He explained how transaction IDs in Bitcoin are unique and discussed the implications for storing confidential information, suggesting encryption technologies for GDPR compliance.
Goods monitoring in logistics
Wright also discussed the potential of monitoring global movements of goods and services, highlighting the significance of the supply chain industry. He envisions a future where every item has its unique identifier, revolutionising supply chains and property ownership.
Using examples like liquefied natural gas tankers, he illustrated how fluctuations in prices can impact trade deals and futures contracts, emphasising the need for delivery obligations in such contracts. Wright also shares a humorous anecdote about bankers’ misunderstanding of cattle futures contracts.
Wright emphasised the importance of controlling exposure in buying and selling goods, suggesting the possibility of reselling shipments for better deals and tokenising ownership shares in assets like ships.
Ensuring privacy and confidentiality in online voting systems
Wright discussed the challenges of ensuring confidentiality in online voting systems, drawing from his experience designing the ‘I vote system’ in New South Wales, Australia. He highlighted the complexity of maintaining voter privacy, referencing scenarios from examination proctoring and historical voting practices.
Wright explains the historical context behind voting privacy, citing examples of coercion and corruption. He emphasised the difficulty in ensuring anonymity in voting systems and acknowledged the need for robust safeguards against coercion and manipulation.
He discussed the potential for building a secure hybrid voting system that combines blockchain technology with traditional voting methods to ensure confidentiality while enabling provable auditing. He emphasised the need for a nuanced approach to blockchain integration, highlighting various overlay networks and databases that can enhance real-time data recording and storage on the blockchain.
