L9.2 - Blockchain Technology

What is centralized trust systems? + What does it entail? + Why is it a problem?

• Centralized trust systems = structure where one main authority or governing entity manages records, determines what is valid, controls access, requires users

• single data holder, user trust assumption => users must trust that authority

• Issues:

  • power imbalance

  • privacy risks => since neural data is sensitive and revealing

  • lack of transparency => how is the data being used

  • potential for exploitation (manipulation with the accessed data)

  • single point failure

How does blockchain addresses the trust problem? (3)

Blockchains distribute verification and control across a network & reduce relying on any single authority to:

• validate information

• safeguard records

• govern system operations

Explain what blockchain is AND is not

Blockchain IS

• auditable database secured via cryptography

• consensus protocol

• continuously growing, time stamped record where previous entries cannot be altered

Blockchain IS NOT

How can you explain blockchain by referring to using google doc for group project

Google doc = centralized trust system

Fair amount of work for each team member SO it’s not 1 person doing (in charge of) everything

What are smart contracts? + how can they be applied to neuroethics? (3)

• Smart contracts = piece of computer code that carries out agreed-upon rules

if blockchain is a shared notebook, smart contracts are the built-in rules that automatically enforce agreements

• Application to neuroethics

  • dynamic consent for neural data research

  • multi-party approval for implants updates

  • controlled access to sensitive neuro legal evidence

How can smart contracts be applied in these 3 scenarios :

• participant sharing EEG or implant data for a depression study

• brain computer interface or DBS (deep brain stimulation) device requires firmware or stimulation updates

• fMRI or neural risk assessments used in court

Discuss the differences between public VS private blockchains + what they each mean

Describe the pros & cons of public VS private blockchains

How is blockchain relevant in healthcare? + Why is it important?

More commonly used to verify data integrity rather than store data itself

Important for :

• privacy protection

• scalability & feasibility

• regulatory compliance

• separation of integrity VS storage

Explain why brain data is different from other health data (6)

Discuss the challenges that come with management / access to neural data? (6)

What does it mean that most current systems are centralized (4) + what are the risks associated with this? (4)

What are some problems that still remain when blockchain is being applied to healthcare? (4)