Blockchain news covers a broad spectrum of the distributed ledger technology and its various applications. From easing logistics bottlenecks to improving patient care, blockchain is rapidly growing into an industry that is near-synonymous with the internet of things and Web3.
First popularized in conjunction with the debut of cryptocurrency Bitcoin, blockchain has grown to become an indispensable tool for safeguarding digital records with tamper-proof technology. This feature, along with other advantages like being decentralized and allowing for trustless transactions, has given rise to a wide range of uses across industries.
For the media industry, the most obvious application of blockchain is as a way to store and validate metadata about news stories. This can include details about the source, time of publication and other key information, a process known as “notarization.” This can help build trust between readers and media organizations, as well as between journalists and each other.
However, despite this obvious benefit, the potential for blockchain is much greater than simply recording metadata. Many journalists have been experimenting with blockchain to solve other problems in their workflows. This includes storing and auditing information about the origin of stories, and even using the technology to combat the spread of fake news. A recent experiment conducted by EY teams and ANSA, for example, used an Implicit Association Test and eye tracking to measure the reactions of 50 volunteers to real and fake news stories. It found that people who saw fake news were more likely to feel angry or afraid than those who read the real thing.