Researchers from several institutes worldwide recently developed Quarks, a new, decentralized messaging network based on blockchain technology. Their proposed system could overcome the limitations of most commonly used messaging platforms, allowing users to retain control over their personal data and other information they share online.

  • upstream@beehaw.org
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    1 year ago

    People are still looking for problems to which blockchain is the solution.

    So far we’ve found none.

      • upstream@beehaw.org
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        1 year ago

        Most of what you describe is the inverse: Problems for which blockchain is the cause, or at least part of the problem.

        That a speculative digital asset with no tangible value could perform better than other objects of investments, including currency, should not be surprising, that’s just group psychology and concerted effort to make people want to invest in intangibles.

        Argentinian currency might be tangible, but its valuation isn’t.

    • mpldr@beehaw.org
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      1 year ago

      I would beg to differ. It seems to be pretty useful for Software development. After all git repos are Blockchains. That being said: use a solution that fits your problem, don’t try to adapt a problen to your solution. Thats something a lot of the crypto- or AI-bros are apparently misunderstanding

      • snowe@programming.dev
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        1 year ago

        After all git repos are Blockchains

        No, git repos are merkle trees. Blockchains happen to build on merkle trees. Git is not blockchain.

        • mpldr@beehaw.org
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          1 year ago

          I suppose it depends on how exactly you define a blockchain. If you add distributed consensus algorithms and a requirement for BFT resistance, then it clearly isnt. Its the usual issue with definition…

          • upstream@beehaw.org
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            1 year ago

            The definition isn’t the problem. Git isn’t blockchain, never was, never will be. Thank god Linus

            • mpldr@beehaw.org
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              1 year ago

              Since a definition is descriptive, not prescriptive, I think it’s paramount.

    • 0x815@feddit.deOP
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      1 year ago

      You’re right. A blockchain doesn’t solve the double-spending problem, so don’t create decentralized payment networks. Let’s use something like Paypal instead, you know, the one that will sooner or later merge with this single-letter company.

      You can also use Google Pay or Apple Pay, and developers can use their stores to monetize their apps. Just 30% or so commission and the apps ‘adjusted’ to the stores’ rules (to be fair, there are not really soooo many trackers, right?).

      Proof of provenance isn’t a use case either. Use Amazon servers. Microsoft Azure. They store all the data, and it’s safe.

      We don’t need companies like drife.io or particl.io. We have Uber and Amazon. Centralized services are much better. They are so good for humanity that their companies don’t even have to pay taxes.

    • AlmightyTritan@beehaw.org
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      1 year ago

      I have to wonder if it’s a solution looking for a problem or a matter of people trying to just throw stuff at a wall and see what sticks.

      I think it also probably has to do with the sheer number of people trying to create something that every one of them has to learn that just because something exists, doesn’t mean you have to use it. They end up just building it hoping that people will come to use it, but sometimes you gotta learn the hard way that it isn’t always the case.

      • upstream@beehaw.org
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        1 year ago

        Pretty sure the first guy trying to pitch money faced an uphill battle. But at least it was tangible.