A Framework for Decentralized Will Execution Using Smart Contracts and Secret Sharing

Abstract

This paper introduces a decentralized and configurable framework for will execution that integrates blockchain technology, smart contracts, and Shamir's Secret Sharing to provide a secure, transparent, and adaptable inheritance process. Unlike traditional systems that rely entirely on centralized intermediaries, our framework allows for flexible access control, enabling the inclusion or exclusion of trusted third parties based on the specific requirements of the testator and beneficiaries. The will document is encrypted, and the decryption key is distributed among designated participants using multilevel secret-sharing techniques. A blockchain-based smart contract autonomously governs the execution process, ensuring that predefined conditions, such as the testator's death, are verified before controlled access to the encrypted document is granted. By supporting threshold-based and hierarchical access structures, the system is adaptable to diverse inheritance scenarios. Experimental results demonstrate its scalability and efficiency in a blockchain environment, showcasing its potential as a secure and versatile solution for digital inheritance.