What is blockchain technology?
The blockchain is a decentralized network that facilitates the exchange of value and enables users to confidently manage and share data. Blockchain technology, which allows peers to transact business and exchange digital assets without the involvement of an intermediary started in 2009 with the development of a digital currency known as Bitcoin. The conceptional framework that makes Bitcoin possible is a digital payment network built on the blockchain.
A lot has been written lately on the impact that blockchain will have on the practice of law. Resources for learning more about blockchain technology are provided below so you can identify which aspects of blockchain are most important and relevant to lawyers. Learn about where the blockchain is going and how the legal profession can prepare for it. (Tip of the hat to Joe Hodnicki of Law Librarian Blog for linking to some of the items listed here.)
Books
- Blockchain Revolution:How the Technology Behind Bitcoin is Changing Money, Business, and the World by Don & Alex Tapscott
- Blockchain by Melanie Swan (O'Reilly)
- Blockchain Basics: A Non-Technical Introduction in 25 Steps by Daniel Drescher
- The Blockchain: A Guide for Legal and Business Professionals (Thomson Reuters)
Articles
- Understanding the Blockchain (O'Reilly)
- The Blockchain: A Gentle Introduction by Jan Hendrik Witte
- Everything You Wanted to Know About Blockchain But Were Afraid to Ask by Mike McDonald
- What is Blockchain Technology? A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners (BlockGeeks)
Videos
- Understand the Blockchain in Two Minutes (YouTube)
- How the Blockchain is Changing Money and Business (TED.com)
- How the Blockchain Will Radically Transform the Economy (TED.com)
MOOCs