Blockchain is a complex record-keeping technology that enables secure transactions and immutable records. It’s best known for being the backbone of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, but it has much wider applications and uses. It’s been described as decentralized, transparent, immutable and trustless, and it’s being used in everything from finance to digital identity management.
As blockchain technology grows increasingly common, it’s starting to enter the broader media industry. It can help journalists track important metadata and automate contracts. It’s also being used to improve the security and integrity of data, preventing fraud and identity theft. It can be used as a database for storing information, a timestamping tool and more.
For example, news organizations can use blockchain to build trust between themselves and readers, or with advertisers and other stakeholders. They can create and host registry registries of trusted or trustworthy sources, for instance, or filter harmful advertising content on their websites using the blockchain’s cryptographic safeguards.
Similarly, in the future, blockchain might be used to securely store a story’s byline, time of publication and tags. This would help reduce the risk of fake or misattributed articles, and ensure that readers can verify a story’s authenticity. It could also be used to keep a record of changes made to a story, so readers can see what was changed and why, even after it’s been published. This could be useful for transparency and accountability in the wake of controversies like Russian election interference or major natural disasters.