As a consultant who’s assigned a range of projects that deal with new and emerging technologies, I’m fearful I’ll be asked to develop content for solutions, which are technically above-my-head. While I’m competent, writing lightweight marketing and sales communications, I’d be at a loss if I was asked to write anything in-depth like a white paper or technical data sheet.

My greatest fear is being asked to write about block chain. Perhaps because it’s associated with cryptography. Solving riddles, let alone deciphering code, isn’t my forte. I cringe when I see a crossword or Sudoku puzzle.

A few weeks ago, while doing research on smart cities, I stumbled across an article about Austin, TX using block chain to improve identity services for its homeless population. People living on the street or in temporary housing are at risk of losing important documents – such as drivers licenses, social security cards and medical records – which can be stolen, misplaced or damaged. The City of Austin explored the use of block chain in 2018 to safely and confidentially consolidate the identity and vital records of homeless people, and also provide access to service and healthcare providers when necessary.

A recent grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation will enable the city to further develop and roll-out the initial app called MyPass.

Invented by a person or group of people, using the name Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008, block chain uses cryptography to link lists of records, called blocks. Each block contains a mathematical algorithm known as a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp and transaction data. It’s truly a “chain,” which is dependent on the correct identity and position of each block.

Developed as the public transaction ledger for the cryptocurrency Bitcoin, block chain is much more complex than my simplified description above, owing to the need to ensure the security of decentralized digital currency and its users. However, it’s proven it can be used to replace paper records with electronic encrypted records that are reliable, secure, and accessible from anywhere using a connected device.

Using block chain to digitize and protect personally identifiable information enables Austin and other communities to better meet the needs of homeless, refugee, and underprivileged populations. As an example, if a homeless person walks into a clinic, their identity and medical history can be quickly accessed, giving medical providers the information, they need to deliver decisive care.

Several years ago, New York City gave 3,000 homeless people smartphones that enabled them to manage their digital identity, access shelters and food pantries, and take advantage of financial services, using a mobile app called FUMMI, which leverages block chain technology.

Developed by Blockchain for Change, a financial technology company, FUMMI provides a way for people to securely store  and access their money and personal information without having to worry about it being lost. While the company doesn’t seem viable anymore, it provided a proof of concept for using block chain to overcome some of the challenges faced by at-risk populations.

Because block chain is a cryptographically secure distributed ledger in which each participant has a copy, but can’t make edits, it’s fundamentally tamper-proof, making it ideal for tracking goods from origin to final consumers. Applications include tracking and tracing pharmaceuticals, diamonds and precious gems, packaged goods, seafood, produce, and wine.

The Union of European Football Association (UEFA), the central governing body for European football, is using block chain to record ticket purchases and details about subsequent ticket holders. If a ticket is given to a friend or family member, the ticket holder can update the transfer in the associated SecuTix and TIXnGo app, which then updates the block chain.

If the ticket is placed on the open market, the SecuTix platform defines the markup resellers can charge, preventing price gorging and providing a disincentive for illegal ticket brokers.

Launched earlier this month, the UNICEF Cyptocurrency Fund provides new opportunities to improve resource sharing and other internal processes, critical to the success of their programs, such as accessing new revenue streams and more efficiently supporting children and families in need. The use of block chain to move, manage and monitor assets increases transparency, accountability and security.

The broader use of block chain has not only percolated numerous new applications, which require a scalable, secure, and decentralized custody of records, but quelled my fear of writing about it.

Thanks to chuttersnap for his great photo from Unsplash