Barlaeus Dinner on Trust in Decentralized Data Infrastructures

Abstract

In this document we summarize the findings of a high-level expert meeting on the topic of trust in blockchain based decentralized data infrastructures. The meeting concluded that contrary to the dominant discourse blockchain technologies are not trustless. In fact trust is a major, unresolved challenge related to the technology. Practical applications that could yield more information on how trust is managed on blockchain technologies are yet to emerge. Blockchain policies should ensure that the technology does not interfere with justice and democracy, and should actively balance economic interests with fundamental rights. The development of blockchain governance frameworks is probably the most important challenge in the short to mid-term.

Keywords: trust, blockchain, decentralized data, technology, regulation, governance

JEL Classification: K20