Blockchain Papers

Venice Lei De Luna Lucto

No abstract is available for this record.

Haytham A. Sheerah, Ahmed Arafa, Mansour A. Alfaya, Ashraf B AlDerbas · 10 authors

Problem: Traditional epidemiological surveillance methods are often limited by delays in reporting and fragmented data systems. Saudi Arabia faces additional public health challenges from mass gatherings during Hajj and Umrah, an increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases and rapid urbanization, highlighting the need for investing in digital epidemiology. Approach: Saudi Arabia has accelerated digital transformation in health care through Vision 2030 initiatives. The strategies include health information exchange platforms, analytics driven by artificial intelligence, telemedicine services and digital monitoring systems used during Hajj. We review current initiatives to invest in digital epidemiology in Saudi Arabia, implementation challenges and policy priorities. Local setting: Saudi Arabia's health system operates under a predominantly public model. The health ministry is the main provider, regulator and finance provider of most health-care services. Health-care coverage is nearly universal, with citizens receiving services free of charge through the public system. Ongoing reforms aim to gradually decentralize certain functions. Relevant changes: The initiatives under Vision 2030 have supported disease surveillance, data integration and public health response capacities. Existing digital health reforms have created a foundation for integrating digital epidemiology into routine public health practice. However, challenges remain, including fragmented interoperability between institutions, workforce shortages, unequal digital access, and concerns about data governance, privacy and algorithmic bias. Lessons learnt: Saudi Arabia's experience suggests that digital epidemiology is more effective when integrated within broader digital health reforms. Successful implementation requires not only digital infrastructure, but also workforce development, ethical governance, transparency and mechanisms for integrating digital data into public health decision-making.

Vedanta2.0 Agyat Agyani

Description:Bharat Secure Digital Identity (BSDI 2.0) is a citizen-centric, privacy-preserving identity overlay framework designed for India. It addresses the critical paradox of anonymous online harm versus mass surveillance. Unlike traditional systems that store raw identity documents, BSDI 2.0 uses Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP), W3C Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs), and a Judicial Escrow Mechanism to enable attribute-based verification (e.g., age eligibility) without data disclosure. Platforms verify, but do not store, personal data. Lawful identity disclosure is only possible through multi-signature judicial authorization under strict proportionality and due process, anchored in Article 21. The framework is non-disruptive and interoperable with Aadhaar, DigiLocker, and DPDP Act 2023. It is a conceptual research framework for MeitY, NITI Aayog, and academic review. Keywords: Digital Identity, Privacy by Design, Zero-Knowledge Proof, DPDP Act, eIDAS, Judicial Oversight, Citizen Sovereignty

Malvika Pandey, Vijay Srivastava, Priyansh Samadhiya

The Right to Information (RTI) is a fundamental pillar of democratic governance, providing citizens with access to public information and helps them hold public authorities accountable. Conventional models of RTI typically have a variety of problems, however: evidence is stripped or embellished, documents are tampered with, there is bureaucratic opacity, and they don't really hold up in court. The Blockchain technology has unique characteristics, such as immutability, decentralization, and cryptographic security, which make it a revolutionary solution. Blockchain can offer end-to-end transparency with legal evidence for requests, answers, as well as all supporting documents, to ensure all stakeholders are transparent and to produce strong legal records. This chapter examines the possibilities of applying blockchain to RTI systems, arguing that the distributed ledger can help to reduce corruption risks, boost public trust and improve the admissibility of judgments.

Neha Garg, Anoop Pandey, Nupur Tyagi

This chapter examines how emerging technologies – Internet of Things (IoT), Augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), and advanced cybersecurity – are reshaping FinTech by enabling smarter, more secure, and customer-focused services. IoT supports real-time data collection for personalized banking, usage-based lending, and smart payment systems. AR/VR introduces immersive experiences such as virtual bank branches, 3D investment tools, and interactive financial advisory, enhancing engagement and accessibility. Alongside these innovations, the chapter addresses escalating cybersecurity threats and highlights solutions like biometric authentication, AI-driven threat detection, and encryption to build digital trust. It also critically evaluates the ethical and governance challenges in FinTech, including algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the risks of digital exclusion. The discussion emphasizes fair finance principles, responsible AI deployment, and the complexities of decentralized finance (DeFi) governance. Ultimately, the chapter advocates for integrating innovation with ethical safeguards to create inclusive, transparent, and resilient financial systems.

Virgil Kuassi Lokossou, Aishat Bukola Usman, Issiaka Sombie, Oluomachukwu Omeje · 34 authors

BACKGROUND: Lassa fever remains a major public health threat in West Africa, requiring coordinated scientific, policy, and financing responses. Regional scientific convenings are increasingly used to connect research evidence with policy action, yet their contribution to epidemic preparedness is not well documented. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative health systems and policy analysis of the 2nd ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference (ELFIC 2025) in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Data sources comprised 302 scientific abstracts, plenary and ministerial session records, and the official Ministerial Joint Communiqué. Using the conference's six thematic pillars as a deductive framework, we conducted a thematic content analysis and synthesized findings into four domains: scientific advances; surveillance and laboratory systems; policy and financing insights; and cross-cutting lessons for regional preparedness. RESULTS: Progress was noted in diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccine development, decentralized laboratory capacity, genomic surveillance, and digital reporting. Persistent gaps remain at sub-national and community levels, in surveillance coverage, workforce capacity, and operational readiness. A major outcome was the Ministerial Joint Communiqué endorsing regional co-financing for Lassa fever vaccine development. CONCLUSION: ELFIC 2025 demonstrates the role of regional scientific platforms in aligning evidence with policy commitments. Sustained impact will require institutionalized coordination, strengthened accountability, and targeted investments in frontline capacity.

Mohamed Abdelhamid, Pamella Howell, Deepti Singh

Background: Health care has seen several new disruptive technologies. One such innovation is the introduction of blockchain smart contracts. These smart contracts are activated automatically once preprogrammed conditions are met. Smart contracts have improved patient outcomes, the efficiency of care delivery, and reduced costs. Despite their benefits, patients have had limited interactions with smart contracts in primary care; therefore, they may not trust blockchain-based smart contracts and may perceive them as risky or have concerns about their security. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate how patients' perceptions of smart contracts affect their adoption in primary care. Specifically, we investigated the impact of patients' perceptions of smart contract security, risk, and trust in their health care providers. Methods: This study used an experimental survey design to evaluate acceptance of smart contracts. Patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 research scenarios proposing either the positive use of blockchain smart contracts or the loss of benefits if a patient opted out. We collected data from a total of 387 participants. The Likert survey used 3 items to measure 5 constructs in the conceptual model. The 5 hypotheses were that gain-loss-framed messaging, perceived security, and trust would have a positive impact on the adoption of smart contracts, whereas perceived risk and the clinical setting would have a negative impact on patients' intention to adopt smart contracts. The conceptual model was tested using structural equation modeling, and the model fit indices suggested a good fit. Results: Most of the hypotheses were supported, except for the gain-loss-framing effect. As hypothesized, perceived security had the strongest positive influence on the intention to use smart contracts (β=.50; P<.001). Trust in health care providers also showed a significant positive relationship (β=.43; P<.001), while perceived risk had a smaller but still significant negative impact (β=-.071; P.048). Patients in clinic-based settings had a lower intention to use smart contracts than patients in telehealth settings, and male patients had a lower intention to use smart contracts than female patients. Conclusions: The results of this study have implications for health care providers who intend to adopt smart contracts early, that is, early majority or late adopters. To facilitate their implementation, providers should highlight the security benefits of smart contracts and leverage patient trust. Providers should customize smart contract implementation strategies based on patient demographics such as age, health status, and gender. By understanding these factors, health care organizations can more effectively promote the adoption of smart contracts and realize the potential benefits of this disruptive technology in primary care.

Shinsuke Miyano, Ikuma Nozaki, Masahiko Hachiya, Tetsuya Miyamoto · 5 authors

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical gaps in regional health security mechanisms, prompting ASEAN to establish the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED), with functions distributed across Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. This policy analysis examines strategic development approaches for ACPHEED through comprehensive benchmarking of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and Gulf CDC, supported by consultations in Indonesia (2024) and Sweden (2025) involving ASEAN member states and international partners. A comparative analysis reveals distinct organizational models: the ECDC operates within European Union (EU) institutional frameworks emphasizing functional specialization; the Africa CDC employs decentralized Regional Coordination Centers; and the Gulf CDC implements hybrid governance via Permanent Communication Networks. Each model offers valuable lessons for ACPHEED's development, particularly concerning governance structures that balance regional coordination with national sovereignty. ACPHEED faces unique challenges due to ASEAN's consensus-based, nonlegislative institutional nature and its tri-country operational structure. Critical success factors include phased surveillance emphasizing a defined scope and capacity building; inclusive governance mechanisms ensuring equitable member-state ownership; and operational frameworks applying subsidiarity principles to complement existing ASEAN mechanisms. Sustainable financing remains paramount given ASEAN's limited budgetary authority. Japan's strategic partnership should capitalize on its technical expertise in laboratory systems, digital surveillance, and disaster preparedness through comprehensive institutional support. ACPHEED's success depends on sustained political commitment, realistic financial arrangements, and effective integration into global health security architectures. This analysis provides a strategic roadmap for ACPHEED's preparatory phase so that it can serve as a regional health security leader while addressing ASEAN-specific institutional constraints.

Kehinde Oluwagbenga Falayi, Moses Uyi Osagie, Kehinde Olúwasayo Akinola, Prisca Chisom Igwemezie · 5 authors

The exponential growth of digital health data in hospitals has intensified concerns about data breaches, privacy violations, and interoperability failures within healthcare information systems. Traditional centralized data architectures remain highly vulnerable to cyberattacks, unauthorized access, and single points of failure, threatening the integrity of sensitive patient records. As healthcare systems transition toward smart and interconnected digital ecosystems, there is a pressing need for robust, transparent, and tamper-resistant data management frameworks. This study systematically reviews existing literature on the application of blockchain technology as a secure solution for health data management in smart hospitals. Adopting the PRISMA 2020 protocol, publications from 2016 to 2025 were retrieved from major databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. Out of 436 relevant studies, 42 peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria. Data extraction captured study characteristics, blockchain types, implementation contexts, and findings. Evidence synthesis followed Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-step thematic analysis framework. Findings reveal that blockchain enhances data security and integrity through cryptographic immutability and distributed consensus mechanisms, mitigates privacy risks via smart contracts and zero-knowledge proofs, and improves interoperability across healthcare stakeholders. However, challenges persist in scalability, regulatory alignment, and implementation costs, particularly in low-resource settings. This study concludes that hybrid and permissioned blockchain models offer the most viable pathway for achieving secure, compliant, and efficient healthcare data ecosystems. Therefore, this study recommends further integration with artificial intelligence and cloud technologies to optimize performance, while aligning deployment with ethical, legal, and institutional frameworks governing digital health.

Mohamed Chawki

In the contemporary global context, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) present multifaceted challenges, particularly in maintaining an appropriate balance between national security requirements and the protection of individual privacy. The rapid advancement of technology has led to an increase in cyber threats, necessitating closer collaboration between the public and private sectors. However, such collaboration often blurs the boundaries between security imperatives and individual privacy rights. This study examines the implications of this balance and assesses whether existing regulations adequately protect individuals’ privacy. The right to privacy is universally safeguarded by ethical norms and legal frameworks. Instruments such as the United States Constitution and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) provide protection against unlawful searches, seizures and the misuse of personal data. Despite these safeguards, information sharing between public institutions and private entities may undermine privacy rights if appropriate accountability mechanisms are not in place. Navigating this complex terrain requires approaches that enable data collection and cybersecurity cooperation without violating individual privacy. Technological innovations, including artificial intelligence (AI) and zero-knowledge proof authentication systems, offer potential solutions by limiting unauthorized access to personal data. This paper argues that reconciling cybersecurity imperatives with the protection of individual rights requires continuous recalibration of legal and ethical boundaries. While data sharing within and across private industries can strengthen defenses against cyber threats, such practices must be carefully evaluated to prevent privacy violations. Achieving this balance ultimately depends on enhanced transparency and accountability.

B M Singh, Christian Kaunert, Saurabh Chandra

No abstract is available for this record.

Rajpreet Kaur, Kiranjit Kaur

No abstract is available for this record.

Pankaj Bhambri

No abstract is available for this record.

Seung Yup Kyen

This study analyzed how the prevention of conflict of interest related to duties of public servants Act, implemented since 2022, applies to the City and Provincial Autonomous Police Commissions—the core bodies of the autonomous police system—to explore ways to institutionally strengthen integrity and fairness within the police organization. the Act serves as a key mechanism to prevent public officials' private interests from distorting public decision-making and to preemptively block corruption. It stipulates various obligations, including reporting private interests related to duties, restrictions on hiring family members, limitations on direct contracts, and prohibitions on using official secrets. However, the scope of application and legal status of the Act for high-ranking public officials, such as the chairperson and standing members of Commissions, remain unclear. Specifically, whether the concept of “affiliation of Senior Officials” should be limited to the Commissions unit or extended to the entire local government emerged as a key issue determining the scope of the family hiring restrictions and direct contract restrictions. This study concluded that, considering the legal framework and the intent of the system, interpreting the ‘affiliation’ of Senior Officials on the Commissions as being with the police is reasonable. This reflects the status of the chairperson, who substantively commands and supervises autonomous police affairs. Furthermore, whether appointing a high-ranking public official as a member of another commissions constitutes a negotiated contract also causes practical confusion. While the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission views the appointment of advisory and deliberative the commissions members as private contracts, this study argues that appointments based on statutes are not mere private law contracts but possess the nature of public law contracts or administrative acts, and thus cannot be regarded as ordinary private contracts. This signifies that, as a public law relationship for fulfilling administrative purposes, the principle of realizing public interest should take precedence over the principle of contractual freedom. In conclusion, to enhance the effectiveness of the Act, first, the concept of ‘affiliation’ must be clearly defined based on substantive command and supervision relationships. Second, prior screening and restriction mechanisms must be established for the appointment of Senior Officials from the Autonomous Police Commission to other commissions. Only when the fairness and integrity of the autonomous police system are secured can its original purpose—the decentralization of police power and democratic control—be substantively realized.

M. A. Mansur

National identity systems require efficient, equitable decision-making that safeguards personal data. This article proposes a Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) architecture, supported by a Verify-Without-Reveal (VWR) framework, designed for national-scale implementation. SSI places credentials in a citizen wallet and enables selective disclosure and zero-knowledge proofs, so services can verify attributes without seeing underlying records. VWR adds the policy and accountability spine: yes/no attribute APIs for holder-absent cases, purpose-bound and zero-trust enforcement on every call, and an immutable audit layer on a permissioned ledger. The study synthesises current standards and leading implementations in Europe and worldwide and formulates a deployable blueprint with clear roles, consent and lawful-override flows, per-agency pseudonyms, and regulator and citizen visibility. The study outlines reference APIs, user experiences for wallets and verifiers, and performance metrics suited for national workloads. Privacy-preserving AI strengthens biometric liveness, fraud detection, and anomaly response without centralising sensitive data. The framework aligns with GDPR data minimisation and purpose limitation, supports the European Digital Identity Wallet, and meets high-risk AI governance requirements. Results show how SSI proofs and VWR controls reduce unconsented disclosure and cross-agency browsing, while keeping latency low and interoperability high. The contribution is both conceptual and operational: a phased migration path that turns verify-without-reveal into the default mode for government and regulated services, improving security, inclusion, and public trust.

Aijaz A. Shaikh, Galimkair Mutanov, Heikki Karjaluoto

The development of blockchain, metaverse, and digital payment technologies has pushed the boundaries of digital transformation even further—from financials to many other industries, most notably healthcare and education. Blockchain technology is widely recognized as a distributed ledger records transactions in a secured decentralized manner, thus eliminating the need for central control. Initially developed to support cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, blockchain’s applications have expanded significantly in recent years. For example, it enables the execution of smart contracts and secure data management in finance, supply chain management, and healthcare. Its innovative features like decentralization, immutability, transparency, and security make it a breakthrough in ensuring tamper-proof and reliable record-keeping (Beck et al., 2017). Blockchain also addresses privacy and security challenges, making it suitable for diverse applications from personal data processing in compliance with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) (Nofer et al., 2020) to Internet of Things (IoT) integrations (Ghiro et al., 2021).

Soumaya Erradi

Blockchain technology has evolved from being the foundation of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to becoming a versatile solution for multiple industries. The unique characteristics of it, such as decentralization, transparency, immutability, and security, have opened up new possibilities in multiple domains, from finance to healthcare, supply chains, and governance.

Matthias Nadler, Fabian Schär

No abstract is available for this record.

Rowena Slope

This chapter asserts that huge technological change is underway. The COVID-19 pandemic response offered opportunities for trialling out new technologies: RNA-based therapeutics, track and trace, digital propaganda, and technological surveillance. The greatest challenge to humanity is new technology and who has control of it. As Web 3.0 and ChatGPT rolls out, people must ensure that they support and use uncensored social media platforms and meta search engines. That should use cash as long as possible ( Giambruno, 2024 ), despite its declining value, establish offline bartering systems, and resist centralised cryptocurrencies for decentralised ones when they inevitably replace fiat currency, and they must understand how distributed ledgers and blockchain have the potential to end corruption.

K. Shreya, D. R. Nagamani

No abstract is available for this record.

Ghanim Hamid Al-Khattabi

Blockchain, one of these new digital technologies, has special qualities like immutability, decentralization, and transparency that can be helpful in many different areas including managing electronic medical data and access rights, as well as mobile health. We reviewed all COVID-19-related and unrelated blockchain applications in the healthcare industry. MEDLINE, SpringerLink, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Xplore, ScienceDirect, arXiv, and Google Scholar were searched for pertinent reports up to July 29, 2021. There were articles with both technical and clinical designs, with or without prototype development. A total of 85 375 articles were assessed, and 415 full-length reports—37 of which were connected to COVID-19 and 378 of which were unrelated—were ultimately incorporated into the study. The three primary COVID-19-related applications that were reported were contact tracing, monitoring of immunity or vaccination passports, and pandemic control and surveillance. Management of electronic medical records, internet of things (such as remote monitoring or mobile health), and supply chain monitoring were the top three non-COVID-19-related applications. The majority of publications (277 [667%] of 415] focused on the technical performance of blockchain prototype systems, whereas nine (2%) research indicated actual clinical use and uptake. Only technical studies (129 [311%] of 415) made up the remaining investigations. The most popular platforms were Hyperledger and Ethereum. Numerous COVID-19-related and unrelated health care applications of blockchain technology are possible. The necessity to adapt fundamental blockchain technology for use in healthcare settings is highlighted by the fact that the majority of current research is still in the technical stage and only a small number offers practical clinical applications.

Muhammad Saad, Maaz Bin Ahmad, Muhammad Asif, Muhammad Khalid Khan · 7 authors

Pandemics have always been a nightmare for humanity, especially in developing countries. Forced lockdowns are considered one of the effective ways to deal with spreading such pandemics. Still, developing countries cannot afford such solutions because these may severely damage the country’s economy. Therefore, this study presents the proactive technological mechanisms for business organizations to run their standard business processes during pandemic-like situations smoothly. The novelty of this study is to provide a state-of-the-art solution to prevent pandemics using industrial internet of things (IIoT) and blockchain-enabled technologies. Compared to existing studies, the immutable and tamper-proof contact tracing and quarantine management solution is proposed. The use of advanced technologies and information security is a critical area for practitioners in the internet of things (IoT) and corresponding solutions. Therefore, this study also emphasizes information security, end-to-end solution, and experimental results. Firstly, a wearable wristband is proposed, incorporating 4G-enabled ultra-wideband (UWB) technology for smart contact tracing mechanisms in industries to comply with standard operating procedures outlined by the world health organization (WHO). Secondly, distributed ledger technology (DLT) omits the centralized dependency for transmitting contact tracing data. Thirdly, a privacy-preserving tracing mechanism is discussed using a public/private key cryptography-based authentication mechanism. Lastly, based on geofencing techniques, blockchain-enabled machine-to-machine (M2M) technology is proposed for quarantine management. The step-by-step methodology and test results are proposed to ensure contact tracing and quarantine management. Unlike existing research studies, the security aspect is also considered in the realm of blockchain. The practical implementation of the proposed solution also obtains the results. The results indicate the successful implementation of blockchain-enabled contact tracing and isolation management using IoT and geo-fencing techniques, which could help battle pandemic situations. Researchers can also consider the 5G-enabled narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT) technologies to implement contact tracing solutions.

Kazumasa Omote, Tatsuhiro Fukuda

No abstract is available for this record.

Uk Jo, Yustus Eko Oktian, Donggyu Kim, Sangbong Oh · 6 authors

Contact tracing is an effective strategy to slow down the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the use of digital footprints as supportive evidences in the contact tracing process rises the privacy problems since private information must be shared to the contact tracing providers. This paper proposed a novel privacy-preserving contact tracing procedure based on zero-knowledge-range-proof and blockchain platform, which helps users to prove whether they in contact with the confirmed patient without disclosing the exact location they have visited. The blockchain is used to guarantee anonymity through the use of address as an identity, and provide strong non-repudiation from transactions. Finally, we provide a proof-of-concept implementation of our proposal using Hyperledger Fabric and smartphone application. The evaluation showed that the proposed system can work as intended with minimal processing delay.