Blockchain Applications: Government and Public Services

Transparency and efficiency in public services

Private

Case Studies and Details:

• Voting System: Blockchain can be used to create a transparent and secure electronic voting system. This improves the transparency and reliability of elections.
• Follow My Vote provides an electronic voting system using blockchain. This improves the transparency and reliability of voting.
• User Stories: One citizen reported that using Follow My Vote to vote electronically made the voting process faster and safer. In particular, the transparency of the voting results was improved, and reliability was enhanced.

Business

Examples and Details:

• Public Service Management: Government agencies can use blockchain to manage public services, improving transparency and efficiency.
• The Estonia e-Residency programme uses blockchain to provide electronic residency, which improves the transparency and efficiency of public services.
• Case Study: The Estonian government has introduced the e-Residency programme, which has simplified the procedures for foreigners doing business in Estonia and improved transparency. In particular, it has been praised for its ability to quickly set up a business.

Blockchain Applications: Financial Industry

Transparency and Efficiency in Transactions

Private

Case Studies and Details:

• Remittances and Payments: Blockchain can be used to make remittances and payments quickly and at low cost. This reduces international remittance fees and increases transaction transparency.
• Ripple provides a platform that uses blockchain to make international money transfers faster and cheaper, thereby improving the transparency and efficiency of money transfers.
• User stories: One individual reported that they used Ripple to send money to their family overseas and were able to significantly reduce the fees. They particularly found it very convenient that the money transfer was completed in a matter of seconds.

Business

Case studies and details:

• Financial Transaction Management: Financial institutions can use blockchain to improve the transparency and efficiency of transactions.
• ConsenSys’s Quorum provides a platform for managing financial transactions using blockchain, which improves the transparency and efficiency of transactions.
• Case Study: A bank has improved the transparency of financial transactions and reduced transaction costs by implementing Quorum. In particular, transaction speeds increased and customer satisfaction improved.

Blockchain Applications: Media Industry

Content Distribution and Copyright Management

Private

Case Studies and Details:

• Digital Content Distribution: Blockchain can be used to distribute digital content and manage copyrights. This allows creators to earn legitimate revenue.
• Steemit is a platform that uses blockchain to distribute content and share revenue, allowing creators to earn money directly.
• Case Study: A blogger was able to post articles on Steemit and earn money based on reader ratings. The blogger reported that the fact that they were able to earn money without going through an intermediary was particularly appealing.

Business

Case Study and Details:

• Copyright Management: Media companies can use blockchain to manage content copyright, improving transparency and efficiency.
• Custos Media Technologies, based in South Africa, provides a solution that uses blockchain technology to detect and prevent digital media piracy. It embeds a bitcoin watermark in the content, making it traceable in the event of illegal sharing.
• Case Study: A film production company was able to produce and distribute several high-profile projects without a single piracy report on their content by implementing Custos.

Summary

Blockchain technology has many applications in both private and business settings, and we can enjoy its convenience and safety in real life. By understanding and actually using these technologies, we can lead more efficient and safer lives.

Thank you for reading to the end!

This concludes our series of articles on blockchain applications in the industry.

There are many different types of blockchain, and in this article we have not focused on any particular one.

We will be discussing decentralised networks with great potential on a global scale in a separate article.

Please look forward to the next article!

Blockchain Applications: Insurance Industry

Streamlining insurance contracts and claims processing

Private

Case Study and Details:

• Insurance Contract Management: Using blockchain, insurance contracts can be managed digitally, speeding up claims processing.
• Etherisc provides a platform for managing insurance contracts and claims processing using blockchain. This makes insurance management transparent and efficient.
• User testimonial: One insurance policyholder reported that they were able to manage their insurance policy and process claims quickly using Etherisc. In particular, they found it useful that they were able to process travel insurance claims smoothly.

Business

Case study and details:

• Insurance policy management: Insurance companies can use blockchain to drive digital transformation in the insurance industry and streamline risk management and insurance policy processes.
• Insurwave is an intelligent risk management solution that connects policyholders, brokers and insurers on a single platform to help them integrate and visualise risk data, automate tasks and collaborate with insurance providers.
• Case Study: A.P. Møller-Mærsk has implemented Insurwave to automate parts of their internal processes and market interactions. This allows them to refocus on being risk managers rather than policy administrators.

Blockchain in use: Healthcare industry

Tracking and managing pharmaceuticals

Private

Case study and details:

• Medication safety verification: Using blockchain to track the entire process from production to consumption of medication prevents the distribution of counterfeit drugs.
• MediLedger provides a platform that uses blockchain to manage the supply chain of medication, making it possible to track medication transparently and efficiently.
• User Story: A patient reported that they were able to use the medicine they purchased using MediLedger with peace of mind, as they were able to check the manufacturer and distribution route of the medicine. This was particularly useful for confirming the safety of imported medicines from overseas.

Business

Case Study and Details:

• Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Management: Pharmaceutical companies can use blockchain to manage the pharmaceutical supply chain, improving transparency and efficiency.
• Chronicled provides a platform for managing the pharmaceutical supply chain using blockchain. This helps to prevent counterfeit drugs and improve supply chain transparency.
• Case Study: A pharmaceutical company was able to streamline the tracking and management of its pharmaceutical products and prevent the distribution of counterfeit drugs by implementing Chronicled. In particular, it had a significant effect on regulatory compliance.

Blockchain Applications: Logistics Industry

Improving Logistics Efficiency and Transparency

Private

Case Study and Details:

• Package Tracking: Using blockchain, you can track the delivery status of packages in real time. This improves delivery transparency and allows you to receive packages with peace of mind.
• VeChain provides a platform for tracking and managing logistics using blockchain. This allows for transparent and efficient tracking of packages.
• Case Study: A consumer was able to use VeChain to track the delivery status of an online purchase in real time, and receive it with peace of mind. This was particularly useful for international shipping.

Business

Case Study and Details:

• Logistics Management: Logistics companies can use blockchain to manage the shipping process, improving transparency and efficiency.
• CargoX is a Slovenian-based company that provides electronic document and business data transfer solutions using blockchain technology. It provides services to companies, government agencies and regulatory authorities, mainly in the fields of logistics, trade, trade finance, manufacturing, energy and services.
• Case Study: A container shipping company has significantly improved the efficiency of its trade document processing by implementing CargoX, which enables the efficient, fast and secure creation, transfer and receipt of eBLs.

Blockchain Applications: Agriculture Industry

Traceability and Quality Control of Agricultural Products

Private

Case Study and Details:

• Agricultural product tracking: Using blockchain, the entire process from production to consumption of agricultural products can be tracked to confirm quality and safety.
• AgriDigital provides a platform for agricultural product traceability and quality control using blockchain. This enables transparent and efficient tracking of agricultural products.
• User Story: A consumer reported that they were able to check the production process of the organic vegetables they purchased using AgriDigital, and were able to buy with peace of mind. This was particularly useful for purchasing directly from local farmers.

Business

Case Study and Details:

• Agricultural Product Quality Control: Agricultural companies can use blockchain to improve the transparency and efficiency of their agricultural product quality control.
• TE-FOOD provides a platform that uses blockchain to trace and manage the quality of agricultural products. This improves the quality and safety of agricultural products.
• Application Experience: By introducing TE-FOOD, an agricultural company has improved the efficiency of its agricultural product quality management and gained the trust of consumers. In particular, it has been effective in guaranteeing quality when exporting.

Summary

Blockchain technology has many applications in both private and business settings, and we can enjoy its convenience and safety in real life. By understanding and actually using these technologies, we can lead more efficient and safer lives.

Thank you for reading to the end.

Please look forward to the next article!

Blockchain Applications: Education Industry

Academic Credentials and Certification

Private

Case Studies and Details:

• Digital Academic Credentials: Using blockchain, academic credentials and certifications can be verified digitally. This prevents forgery of certificates and increases reliability.
• Blockcerts provides a platform that uses blockchain to issue academic certificates, allowing for quick and secure verification of academic records.
• Case Study: One student reported that using Blockcerts to obtain a digital academic certificate made it easier to submit certificates when applying for jobs. In particular, the ability to quickly provide certificates when applying to companies overseas was useful.

Business

Case Study and Details:

• Credential Verification Management: Educational institutions and companies can use blockchain to manage credential verification, improving reliability and efficiency.
• Hyland Credentials provides a platform for managing credential verification using blockchain. This allows for quick and secure verification of credentials.
• Case Study: An educational institution has gained the trust of students and businesses by streamlining the certification process through the introduction of Hyland Credentials. In particular, it has been effective in preventing the forgery of qualifications.

Blockchain in use: Energy industry

Energy trading efficiency

Private

Case study and details:

• P2P energy trading: Using blockchain, energy can be traded directly between individuals. For example, you can sell excess solar power to your neighbours.
• Power Ledger provides a platform for energy trading using blockchain. This makes energy trading transparent and efficient.
• Case Study: One household was able to use Power Ledger to sell excess electricity to neighbours and earn an income. They reported that it helped them reduce energy waste and improve energy efficiency across the community.

Business

Case Study and Details:

• Energy Management: Businesses can use blockchain to manage energy supply and consumption to improve efficiency.
• WePower provides a platform for trading renewable energy on the blockchain, making energy trading faster and more transparent.
• Case Study: An energy company has implemented WePower to streamline the trading of renewable energy, reducing costs and increasing transparency.

Blockchain in Use: Entertainment Industry

Copyright Management and Revenue Sharing

Private

Case Study and Details:

• Digital Content Copyright Management: Using blockchain, digital content copyrights can be managed, allowing creators to earn legitimate revenue.
• Revelator allows artists, labels, publishers, and IP rights holders to harness the power of blockchain through an easy-to-use web interface. It is possible to tokenise assets, collect on-chain royalties, access future royalties via DeFi protocols, and mint and sell collectibles.
• Case Study: A musician was able to distribute his music and receive revenue directly using Revelator. He reported that the fact that he was able to earn revenue without going through an intermediary was particularly appealing.

Business

Case Study and Details:

• Content Distribution and Revenue Sharing: Entertainment companies can use blockchain to manage content distribution and revenue sharing, improving transparency and efficiency.
• FilmChain provides a platform that uses blockchain to manage film revenue distribution, allowing for faster and more transparent revenue distribution.
• Case Study: A film production company was able to streamline the revenue distribution process and ensure that all parties involved received their revenue quickly by implementing FilmChain. In particular, revenue transparency was improved and reliability was enhanced.

Summary

Blockchain technology has many applications in both the private and business sectors, and we can enjoy its convenience and security in real life. By understanding and actually using these technologies, we can lead more efficient and secure lives.

Thank you for reading to the end.

Please look forward to the next article!

Medical record management

Private use cases

Examples and details:

• MedRec: Patient medical data is stored on the blockchain, allowing quick access when needed. This ensures consistency of information between medical institutions.
• By digitising medical records and introducing blockchain technology, patients can manage their own medical data more securely and share it with medical institutions when needed. For example, Estonia’s e-Health system manages medical data nationwide using blockchain.
• Case Study: A patient used MedRec to manage their own medical data, making it easier to receive treatment at multiple medical institutions. In particular, they reported that being able to quickly provide medical information in an emergency was extremely useful.

Business use cases

Examples and details:

• Medical institution data management: Medical institutions can use blockchain to manage patient medical records, ensuring data consistency and security.
• By facilitating data sharing between medical institutions, the accuracy of diagnoses can be improved, and patient treatment can be carried out quickly and effectively. For example, MediBloc provides a platform for managing and sharing medical data using blockchain.
• User experience: Medical institutions that have introduced MediBloc have seen improvements in the efficiency of patient data management and the quality of medical care. In particular, data can now be transferred smoothly when patients are transferred to another hospital.

Streamlining real estate transactions

Private use case

Examples and details:

• Smart contracts: Automating real estate sales contracts can simplify procedures and reduce costs. This makes it easier for individuals to carry out real estate transactions.
• Smart contracts are executed automatically when the terms of the contract are met, which improves the transparency and reliability of transactions. For example, Propy provides a platform for conducting real estate transactions on the blockchain.
• User experience: One individual reported that they used Propy to purchase real estate and that the contract process was quick and transparent. In particular, they found it very convenient to be able to check the progress of the contract in real time.

Business Use Cases

Examples and Details:

• Real Estate Management: Companies can use blockchain to manage real estate ownership and transaction history, improving transparency and efficiency.
• In the real estate industry, the adoption of blockchain technology can help speed up transactions, reduce costs, and prevent fraud. For example, Ubitquity provides a platform for managing real estate ownership using blockchain.
• Case Study: A real estate company gained the trust of its customers by introducing Ubitquity, which improved the transparency of ownership and transactions. In particular, they reported that transactions became faster and costs were reduced.

Summary

Blockchain technology has many applications in both private and business settings, and we can enjoy its convenience and security in real life. By understanding and actually using these technologies, we can live more efficiently and safely.

If you are running a business or managing IT systems at work, you should be able to benefit from adopting blockchain technology that is suitable for your business, such as improved operational efficiency, cost reduction, and expanded sales channels!

In the US and Europe, there are initiatives to manage real estate on blockchains, and in the future, real estate transactions will become easier, but you have to be careful with them. This is because the fact that it is easy to obtain also means that it is easy to lose. Let’s continue to improve our knowledge!

Thank you for reading to the end.

Please look forward to the next article!

Managing digital identities

Private use cases

Examples and details:

• Digital identities are important for using online services and managing social media accounts. For example, Microsoft’s Decentralized Identity project is an initiative that allows users to manage their own digital identities and securely share them when necessary.
• Another example is Sovrin, which stores personal information on a blockchain to make online identity verification easier. This reduces the risk of reusing passwords and leaking personal information.
• User story: One user used Sovrin to simplify the login process for multiple online services, freeing them from the stress of managing passwords. They reported that they were able to quickly and securely verify their identity on financial services and medical portals in particular.

Business use cases

Examples and details:

• Enterprise ID management: By managing employees‘ digital identities on the blockchain, you can strengthen security and streamline access management.
• Companies are increasingly adopting blockchain technology to securely manage their employees’ authentication information. For example, IBM’s Verify Credentials is a system that manages employees’ credentials on the blockchain to provide fast and secure authentication.
• Case Study: One company found that, after implementing IBM Verify Credentials, the employee authentication process was sped up and security was improved. In particular, access management in remote working environments was greatly improved.

Improved supply chain transparency

Private use case

Examples and details:

• Arianee, a French company, is a platform that provides digital certificates using blockchain for luxury brands. Individual jewellery designers and watchmakers also use this system to issue digital certificates for each product. This allows for transparent management of product ownership and history, and prevents the distribution of counterfeit products.
• User testimonial: You can check on the blockchain that the product you have purchased is genuine (authenticity check), so you can buy with peace of mind. Through digital certificates, you can easily transfer and manage ownership of products, and you can also safely trade on the second-hand market. Users also appreciate being able to receive the latest information and special offers from brands through digital certificates.

Business Use Cases

Examples and details:

• Food tracking: Consumers can use IBM Food Trust to check the origin and processing of the food they buy. This allows them to buy products with peace of mind.
• As interest in food safety and quality increases, it is important to ensure food traceability using blockchain technology. For example, Walmart is using blockchain to manage its food supply chain and improve food safety.
• Customer Story: A consumer reported that they were able to check the production process of the organic food they purchased using IBM Food Trust and feel more confident about their purchase. They said it was especially useful when choosing safe food for their children.

Using Decentralised Finance (DeFi)

Private Use Case

Examples and details:

• DeFi allows users to access financial services without going through a bank, so it is expected to reduce fees and speed up transactions. For example, Compound is a platform that allows users to lend and borrow cryptocurrency and earn interest.
• In addition, Aave allows users to lend and borrow cryptocurrency, making it possible to manage funds more flexibly. In addition, by using stablecoins like DAI, you can trade using digital currencies with stable prices.
• User experience: One private investor was able to use Aave to lend out cryptocurrency and earn stable interest income. In particular, he was dissatisfied with the low interest rates offered by banks, so he was satisfied with the high yields offered by DeFi.

Business use cases

Examples and details:

• Corporate fundraising: Companies can use DeFi platforms to raise funds. Smart contracts enable fast and transparent transactions.
• DeFi provides startups and SMEs with a new way to raise funds without going through traditional financial institutions. For example, Synthetix provides a platform where companies can issue and trade derivatives.
• Case Study: A startup company used Synthetix to quickly raise funds and successfully expand its business. Because it did not involve traditional financial institutions, the process was simplified and costs were reduced.

Summary

Blockchain technology has many applications in both the private and business sectors, and we can enjoy its convenience and security in real life. By understanding and actually using these technologies, we can live more efficiently and safely.

Thank you for reading to the end.

Please look forward to the next article!

Applications of Distributed Networks

Distributed networks are systems in which each node (computer or device) communicates directly with each other and shares data and resources, without relying on a central server. This structure improves fault tolerance and transparency, and is being applied in a variety of fields.
Below are some specific examples.

File Sharing

BitTorrent is a file sharing protocol that uses a distributed network. It divides files into small parts and shares them between multiple users, allowing files to be distributed efficiently and quickly.

Main features:

• Distributed file sharing: By sharing files directly between users without relying on a central server, efficient data transfer is achieved.
• High-speed downloads: By dividing files into multiple parts and downloading them simultaneously from multiple users, speed is improved.
• Efficient use of bandwidth: Users who are downloading can also upload to other users, so the bandwidth of the entire network can be used effectively.

Cloud storage

• IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) is a decentralised file system that stores data on multiple nodes. This improves data fault tolerance and access speed.

Specific examples of cloud storage

• Filecoin: Filecoin is a decentralised storage network based on IPFS. Users can earn rewards by providing excess storage, and data is stored and retrieved in a decentralised manner.
• Storj: Storj is a decentralised cloud storage platform that encrypts and stores data in a decentralised manner. This enhances data privacy and security.

Decentralised Applications (dApps)

Applications that use decentralised networks operate without relying on a central server. For example, Uniswap is a decentralised exchange (DEX) that allows users to exchange cryptocurrencies without going through a central administrator.

Main features of dApps:

• No central administrator: Unlike traditional applications, which are managed and operated by companies and organisations, dApps operate on blockchains and do not have a specific administrator.
• Open source: The source code for many dApps is publicly available, so anyone can check and improve it.
• Token utilisation: They have their own cryptocurrency (tokens), which users can use to receive services or earn rewards.
• Smart contract utilisation: This is a system that automatically executes contracts when conditions are met, enabling highly reliable transactions.

Applications of Blockchain

Blockchain technology is also being widely applied in fields other than finance. Here are some specific examples

Supply chain management

IBM Food Trust is a system that uses blockchain to manage the supply chain for food products. This allows the entire process from food production to consumption to be tracked, improving transparency and reliability.

Digital identity

Sovrin is a digital identity management system that uses blockchain. It allows personal information to be managed securely, making it easy to verify a person’s identity online.

Medical record management

MedRec is a system that uses blockchain to manage medical records. It allows for the safe sharing of patient medical data and maintains consistency of information between medical institutions.

Latest Technology Trends for 2024.

Blockchain and distributed network technologies are evolving every day. Here we introduce the latest technology trends.

Improving Scalability

Technologies are being developed to improve the scalability of blockchains. For example, Ethereum 2.0 aims to significantly improve transaction processing capacity by introducing a technology called sharding.

Interoperability (cross-chain)

There is a lot of interest in technologies that improve interoperability between different blockchains. For example, Polkadot is a platform that connects different blockchains and enables the exchange of data and value. In addition, Chainlink provides an oracle network that allows smart contracts to access external data, enabling data collaboration between different blockchains.

Strengthening security

Research is being carried out to strengthen the security of blockchains. For example, zero-knowledge proofs are a technology that proves the legitimacy of transactions without disclosing the details of the transaction, and aims to achieve both privacy protection and security.

Specific examples of zero-knowledge proofs

• Zcash: Zcash is a cryptocurrency that uses zero-knowledge proofs to protect the privacy of transactions. Users can prove that a transaction is legitimate without disclosing the details of the transaction.
• zk-SNARKs: zk-SNARKs (Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge) is a type of zero-knowledge proof that is also used as a privacy enhancement function for Ethereum. This makes it possible to protect privacy even when executing smart contracts.

Summary

Distributed networks and blockchains are being applied in a wide range of fields, and new possibilities are opening up as the technology evolves. By understanding these technologies and keeping up with the latest trends, you can play an important role in the digital society of the future.

Technology that can change people’s lives is being developed even now!
Let’s make use of it in our daily lives and enrich our lives!

Thank you for reading.

Please look forward to the next article!

Let’s take a look at the basics of distributed networks and blockchains together.

What is a distributed network?

A distributed network is a network in which data and resources are not concentrated in one place, but are distributed across multiple computers (nodes). This makes the entire system more robust and reliable.

Features and specific examples

Redundancy

• Data is stored in multiple locations, so it is less likely to be lost even if a fault occurs. For example, cloud storage services such as Google Drive and Dropbox ensure data security by storing data on multiple servers.

Scalability

• The capacity and performance of the network can be easily expanded by adding new nodes. For example, Netflix uses servers distributed around the world to deliver videos, and can respond smoothly even when the number of users increases.

Security

• It becomes difficult for attackers to control the entire system. For example, BitTorrent divides files into small parts and shares them among multiple users, preventing attacks on the central server.

What is a blockchain?

A blockchain is a type of distributed network that groups transaction data into units called blocks and links them together in a chain. Each block contains the hash value of the previous block, making it extremely difficult to tamper with.

Features and specific examples

Transparency

• All transactions are public and can be verified by anyone, making it easier to detect fraudulent activity. For example, the Bitcoin transaction history is highly transparent because anyone can check it.

Invariance

• Once recorded, data cannot be changed, so data reliability is increased. For example, recording land ownership on the blockchain prevents fraudulent rewriting.

Decentralisation

• There is no central administrator, and data is managed across the entire network, which improves system reliability. For example, Ethereum automates contracts without a central administrator by executing smart contracts on a decentralised network.

How a blockchain works

The flow in which blockchain functions

1. Transaction generation: A user generates a transaction, for example, when sending Bitcoin.
   　
2. Transaction verification: Nodes in the network verify the legitimacy of transactions. This confirms that the transaction is legitimate. For example, Bitcoin miners verify transactions.
   　
3. Block generation: Verified transactions are grouped together into blocks. Multiple transactions are collected into one block. For example, new transactions are added to a Bitcoin block approximately every 10 minutes.
   　
4. Adding a block: A new block is added to the existing chain, which allows the history of transactions to be recorded continuously. For example, a new Bitcoin block is added to the chain.
   　
5. Updating the chain: The new chain is shared across the network, which allows all nodes to have the latest information about transactions. For example, all Bitcoin nodes receive the new block and update their chains.

Applications of the blockchain

Areas where blockchain technology is being applied

• Cryptocurrencies: Digital currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. This enables transactions to be carried out without the need for a central bank. For example, you can use Bitcoin to make international money transfers.
  　
• Smart contracts: Contracts that are automatically executed. For example, a contract that automatically makes a payment when certain conditions are met. Ethereum smart contracts are used for things like automatic insurance payments.
  　
• Supply chain management: Improved transparency and traceability of logistics. You can track where goods come from and how they are distributed. For example, IBM‘s Food Trust manages the food supply chain using blockchain.
  　
• Digital identity: Secure management of personal information. It is possible to securely manage personal data and prevent unauthorised access. For example, a digital ID system using blockchain can easily verify the identity of a person when opening a bank account or using online services.

Summary

Distributed networks and blockchain are important technologies in today’s digital society. Understanding the basics of these technologies will help you to understand more advanced applications and technological developments.

And that’s the end of our beginner’s guide to blockchain and distributed networks.

Thank you for reading!

Please look forward to our next instalment of applied knowledge!