Tech
How Blockchain Can Help Fight Misinformation
As digital misinformation becomes increasingly widespread, there is an emerging technology with the potential to address many of the root causes and risks associated with misleading and manipulated media: blockchain. While not a panacea, blockchain can help in three key areas: First, a blockchain-based system could offer a decentralized, trustless mechanism to verify provenance and other important metadata for online content. Second, it could enable content creators and users to maintain a reputation independent of any one publication or institution. And finally, it makes it possible to financially incentivize the creation and distribution of content that meets community-driven standards for accuracy and integrity. Of course, any technological solution will need to be complemented by substantial policy and educational initiatives, but in an increasingly complex digital media landscape, blockchain offers a promising starting point for ensuring we can trust the information we see, hear, and watch.