GovWhitePapers Logo

Sorry, your browser is not compatible with this application. Please use the latest version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge or Safari.

Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies

Distributed ledger technology (e.g. blockchain) allows users to carry out digital transactions without the need for a centralized authority. It could fundamentally change the way government and industry conduct business, but questions remain about how to mitigate fraud, money laundering, and excessive energy use.

What is it? Distributed ledger technologies (DLT) like blockchain are a secure way of conducting and recording transfers of digital assets without the need for a central authority. DLT is “distributed” because multiple participants in a computer network (individuals, businesses, etc.), share and synchronize copies of the ledger. New transactions are added in a manner that is cryptographically secured, permanent, and visible to all participants in near real time.

  • Author(s):
  • Government Accountability Office (GAO)
  • Share this:
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share via Email
  • Share on LinkedIn
Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies
Format:
  • Data Sheet
Topics:
Website:Visit Publisher Website
Publisher:Government Accountability Office (GAO)
Published:September 1, 2019
License:Public Domain

Featured Content

Contact Publisher

Claim Content