Technology
Blockchain Technology and the Trust Mechanisms of Digital Public Registries
Quick fact
The Bitcoin blockchain has never been hacked since its launch in 2009, despite being open to anyone and having no central authority—thanks to its consensus mechanism and cryptographic hashing.
Why this is interesting
You can send money or sign a contract online, but how do you know it's really yours and hasn't been altered? What if no bank or government is guarding the records?