Blockchain-based data integrity and privacy in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication networks: A systematic literature review

Abstract

Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication is at the center of autonomous mobility, as it enables vehicles to exchange real-time information with infrastructure, other vehicles on the road, including pedestrians, and the network. V2X has the potential to improve navigation, traffic flow, and safety but also brings with it the associated governance risks of data integrity, privacy, and cybersecurity. These risks are amplified by the interconnected nature of V2X networks, which handle sensitive data like vehicle locations and driver identities, necessitating robust security solutions. This systematic review considers blockchain as a remedy, with its decentralized architecture, cryptographic security protocols, and automation through smart contracts. A review of peer-reviewed literature from 2018 to 2025 highlights blockchain's role in tamper-proof communication, privacy preservation through Zero-Knowledge Proofs and Ring Signatures, and secure transaction automation. For instance, blockchain ensures data immutability by distributing trust across nodes, reducing vulnerabilities like data spoofing, while smart contracts streamline processes like toll payments. Challenges such as scalability, latency, and regulation are addressed with proposals such as 5G, edge computing, and governance frameworks. Hybrid blockchain systems, either public or private are examined in this study to obtain a trade-off between scalability and security in V2X networks. In addition, interoperability is proposed to facilitate the seamless exchange of data between V2X systems. Emerging consensus mechanisms like proof of stake and directed acyclic graphs are proposed to enhance scalability, while federated learning integrations bolster privacy. Pilot projects, such as those in Dubai and Singapore, demonstrate blockchain’s practical efficacy in securing V2X ecosystems. The review positions blockchain as a leading enabler of secure, efficient, and privacy-aware intelligent transport systems. Future research should focus on standardizing governance and addressing latency to ensure global adoption.