Blockchain as a legal phenomenon: Introductory considerations

Abstract

One of the major directions in IT development is the emergence of Blockchain technology, which is rooted in the concept of distributive ledger technology (DLT). Blockchain is based on the use of a cryptographically protected chain of transaction blocks containing information. Blockchain technology becomes relevant in economic exchange as it lowers costs and adds efficiency to transactions` implementation. The key quality of blockchain is that it ensures the authenticity of digital data; trust in the traditional legal relationship has been replaced by digital verification of data in blocks. Verification of digital data by tracing transaction blocks is identical to a hard copy ledger: blocks function as bookkeeping inputs of a digital manager. The blocks are functionally equal to sheets of paper, used by all participants to enter their transaction and sign it. In doing so, they grant authorization to all previous paper transactions. The foregoing process continues as long as there is space on paper available. When the sheet is filled, it is secured with a stamp and new transactions are recorded on a new sheet of paper which, once filled, is linked to the previous paper (secured with the signature and a stamp on the margin between the first and second paper). A functionally identical activity occurs in the framework of blockchain technology. As the important phenomenon, blockchain raises legal issues that have to be addressed in the process of its implementation. Currently, the legal regulation of blockchain is at the stage of developing customs, which are likely to be translated into standards relevant to this technology. Standards are a discretionary regulatory framework in the form of private law regulation; in essence, it is a software-driven expression of traditional contracts, translated into programming languages. The relevant doctrine labels this process as "legal engineering". An example of this development is the legal regime of "Smart Contracts". These contracts constitute the next stage in the development of blockchain deployment; they are based on a cryptographic process enabling the execution of contracts once the preconditions contained in the program code are satisfied. The emerging legal regulation of blockchain will not rule out the existing legal norms; rather, they will operate simultaneously and complementarily.

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