Governments continue to adopt Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). Better known as blockchain, this technology has limitless applications. If you are reading this, you are most likely aware of a few of these exciting pathways. Those in government are no different. In recent months we have seen various branches of governments adopt blockchain. Here are a few of these programs that have been announced.
United States Department of Homeland Security
This first project is one that dates back to 2017. Tasked with securing the United States borders, the agency turned to Factom. Founded in Texas, this U.S based company specializes in data integrity.
While the use cases for Factom are plentiful, the DHS has been using their technology to verify the authenticity of data collected at the border. With their on-going success, DHS has continued to award Factom with a series of grants. To date, Factom has received 4 grants from DHS, totaling over $750,000.
United States Customs and Border Protection
Working as a child agency of the Department of Homeland Security, the Customs and Border Protections has also launched a blockchain project. By working as a subsidiary of DHS, this should come as no surprise, as DHS has had success in employing Factom for their needs.
By utilizing the platform developed by DHS, the CBP plans to verify the certificates of origin for those taking part in NAFTA. In addition to this, the platform will be utilized to expedite shipping processes through reducing the inefficiencies of the shipping data submission process.
United Kingdom Ministry of Justice
Not to be left trailing the United States, the United Kingdom has now announced their involvement with blockchain.
The government plans to utilize the technology in various ways. One of these manners is as a means to secure digital evidence. Another is through the development of an inter-agency platform meant to facilitate the sharing of evidence.
In announcing the involvement with DLT, Balaji Anbil, Head of Digital Architecture and Cyber Security for the Ministry of Justice, stated, “In the UK, researchers at the University of Surrey are working with the National Archives on Digital Ledger Technology solutions to secure digital archives. We are following this work with interest and plans to trial Digital Ledger Technology solutions for inter-agency evidence sharing later in 2018.”
Canadian National Research Council
Early this week we reported on the progress of the Canadian government’s involvement with DLT. Launched in 2018, the National Research Council has developed an Ethereum based block-explorer.
This block-explorer was developed with the intention of bringing transparency to government funding. It allows for tax payers to use the platform, and see, in real-time, the issuance of government grants. This program makes use of Ethereum, which was primarily developed by Canadians. The pilot has had great success thus far.
As can be seen, governments are recognizing the versatility and important of DLT/Blockchain. Whether the application ensures data integrity, or brings transparency to government funding, the application possibilities are vast.
