Have we found the key to the smart city?

The technical side of all this will probably work just fine. The lesson from the early days of Bitcoin is that we will need to pay careful attention to the human side of the blockchain equation.

Blockchain technology is also being touted as a key enabler of the booming 'Internet of Things' which will see everything from your milk carton to your washing machine chatting behind your back. They might even spend your money. In a blockchain proof of concept, IBM rigged a Samsung W9000 washer to automatically order supplies like detergent when it runs low, and, yes, the lawyers say, if it’s your washer you will have to pay for the soap powder.Image courtesy of Samsung

Opinion

BY THOMAS P. KEENAN

July 4, 2016

CALGARY—The virtual currency Bitcoin has been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently. Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital was forced to pay a ransom to hackers who hijacked their patient files. The $17,000 U.S. was demanded in Bitcoin, because it is essentially untraceable. A Calgary wine merc...

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Weekend Point of View Newsletter

A round up of the past weekâ€™s opinion writers and columnists on Saturdays and Sundays.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy