State of the Net 2018

The massive Equifax breach in September 2017 reminded us yet again that traditional authentication credentials such as social security numbers should have been left back in the last century. The Internet has made data ubiquitous and transactions instantaneous, and our antediluvian authentication methods fail time and again to protect data, assets and transactions. Yet, blockchain technology has quietly been growing as a versatile ledger for all sorts of authenticated transactions beyond currency. Realtors are using blockchain to streamline real estate listings. Human resource companies are exploring blockchain technology to provide efficient access to employee benefits. Internet platforms are exploring blockchain to reduce advertising fraud and to keep out fake news bots and trolls. The applications are endless. Our panel will explore whether blockchain may be the answer to our public policy prayers in a post Equifax world.