When you think of blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin and Ethereum likely come to mind. Technically speaking, blockchain is an encrypted database of agreements, meaning neither party can go back on the agreement once it’s been made. Transparency and incorruptibility are two major pulls for this technology. While it’s a great tool to use for financial purposes, its technology is now being utilized for other areas of work in Philadelphia and beyond.
Helping the Impoverished
It’s no secret that not everyone in the world doesn’t have access to bank-like institutions. Because of this, blockchain technology has been used as a way to disrupt the normal socio-economic structure. Simply put, if you have access to a smartphone in Philadelphia, you have access to a financial institution. If you need to send money overseas, no problem. If you need to reach a certain part of the world for something business-related, that’s not a problem either. Think migrants, immigrants and refugees. In fact, blockchain technology is a great resource for fighting the refugee crisis, giving them direct access to donations. The convenience of this technology cannot be overstated.
Financial Support
One of the most significant challenges that impoverished communities face is a lack of access to financial services. Many people in impoverished communities do not have access to traditional banking services or financial institutions. Blockchain technology can help solve this problem by providing a decentralized financial system that is accessible to everyone.
Decentralized finance, also known as DeFi, is a system that allows people to access financial services without the need for intermediaries such as banks. DeFi platforms run on blockchain technology, and they allow people to borrow, lend, and invest in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
DeFi platforms can help the impoverished by providing them with access to financial services such as loans and savings accounts. For example, a farmer in a rural area who needs a loan to buy seeds and fertilizer can use a DeFi platform to borrow money. They can then repay the loan with interest, and the lender earns a return on their investment.
DeFi platforms can also help the impoverished save money. Many people in impoverished communities do not have access to savings accounts, which means they are unable to save for emergencies or invest in their future. With DeFi platforms, people can save money in cryptocurrencies, which can be easily accessed and used for a variety of purposes.
Supply Chain Transparency
Another way that blockchain technology can help the impoverished is by providing supply chain transparency. Many products that we use every day are produced in countries where labor laws are weak, and workers are exploited. Blockchain technology can help ensure that the products we use are produced ethically and sustainably.
Think about how the blockchain technology can be used to create a transparent supply chain that tracks the journey of a product from the raw materials stage to the finished product. This ensures that all the people involved in the production process are paid fairly and treated ethically. For example, a company that produces clothing can use blockchain technology to track the journey of cotton from the farm to the finished product. This ensures that the farmers who grow the cotton are paid fairly, and the workers who produce the clothing are treated ethically.
Identification
Blockchain technology can also help the impoverished by providing a secure and reliable way to verify identities. Many people in impoverished communities do not have access to government-issued IDs, which makes it difficult for them to access essential services such as healthcare and education.
Blockchain technology can be used to create a decentralized identity system that is accessible to everyone. This identity system can be used to verify identities for essential services such as healthcare and education. For example, a refugee who has lost their government-issued ID can use a blockchain-based identity system to prove their identity. This would allow them to access essential services such as healthcare and education, which would otherwise be difficult or impossible.
Income
In addition to financial inclusion, supply chain transparency, and identity verification, blockchain technology can also help the impoverished by providing them with a way to earn income. Many people in impoverished communities do not have access to traditional employment opportunities. Blockchain technology can provide them with a way to earn income through a variety of means. For example, people can earn income by participating in blockchain-based networks that reward them for performing certain tasks. This could include anything from providing computing power to a decentralized network to verifying transactions on a blockchain. Blockchain technology can also help the impoverished by creating a new economy based on decentralized applications, or dApps. These dApps can be created by anyone, anywhere in the world, and they can be used to provide a variety of services.
Eliminating Voter Fraud
Voter fraud is a significant concern in many democracies around the world. The use of traditional voting systems has made it difficult to detect and prevent voter fraud, which can lead to questions about the legitimacy of the election results. However, with the emergence of blockchain technology, there is a potential solution to this problem.
Blockchain Technology Is Tamper Proof and Secure
Blockchain technology can eliminate voter fraud by providing a transparent and secure voting system that is tamper-proof and highly resistant to manipulation. The decentralized nature of blockchain technology means that it can be used to create a voting system that is accessible to everyone, while still maintaining the security and integrity of the election process.
One of the key benefits of using blockchain technology for voting is that it can eliminate the possibility of double voting. When a vote is recorded on the blockchain, it is stored in a tamper-proof and transparent ledger. This means that once a vote has been recorded, it cannot be altered or deleted. This eliminates the possibility of someone voting multiple times, as each vote is unique and cannot be duplicated.
Blockchain Technology Is Accessible
In addition to eliminating voter fraud, blockchain technology can also increase voter turnout. Many people do not vote because they do not trust the traditional voting system or because they are unable to access polling stations. With blockchain technology, people can vote from anywhere in the world, as long as they have an internet connection. This means that people who are unable to travel to a polling station can still participate in the election process.
The Blockchain Is Public and Visible
Another benefit of using blockchain technology for voting is that it can increase transparency in the election process. When a vote is recorded on the blockchain, it is visible to everyone on the network. This means that anyone can verify that the votes are being counted accurately and that there is no tampering with the election results.
Blockchain Technology Streamlines Processes
Blockchain technology can also provide a more efficient and cost-effective voting system. Traditional voting systems require a significant amount of resources to organize, including polling stations, ballot papers, and staff. With blockchain technology, these resources can be significantly reduced, as the entire voting process can be conducted online.
One example of blockchain technology being used for voting is the West Virginia primary election in 2018. West Virginia became the first state to use blockchain technology for voting in a primary election. The system allowed military personnel stationed overseas to vote in the primary election by using a mobile app. The app used blockchain technology to ensure that the votes were recorded securely and anonymously.
Challenges To Consider
However, it is worth noting that there are still some challenges that need to be addressed before blockchain technology can be used on a larger scale for voting. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that the system is accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical knowledge or access to technology.
In addition, the security of the system needs to be robust enough to prevent hacking and cyber-attacks. While blockchain technology is highly secure, it is not immune to attacks, and there is a need to ensure that the system is protected from any potential threats.
In conclusion, blockchain technology has the potential to eliminate voter fraud by providing a secure, transparent, and efficient voting system. By using blockchain technology for voting, we can increase voter turnout, ensure the accuracy of the election results, and provide a more accessible and inclusive election process for everyone. While there are still some challenges that need to be addressed, the potential benefits of blockchain technology for voting are significant, and it is worth exploring further.
Blockchain continues to establish itself as an important facet in all areas. If you have questions about blockchains or cryptocurrencies in Philadelphia, our professionals at RockItCoin are here to help. Contact us today to get started.
Source: Forbes
