DICT’s Government Blockchain — eGOVchain — Sparks Debate on Decentralization
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) introduced eGOVchain, a government blockchain, receiving mixed reactions from Filipino web3 leaders and crypto enthusiasts. (Read the previous BitPinas report here.)
The aftermath: DICT Undersecretary clarified and provided more information about the initiative.
Opinions about the government blockchain:
- GCrypto Head Luis Buenaventura: “You can’t have a “government decentralized” ledger because those words are conflicting. I think it’s fine, and I think as long as they allow external watchdog groups to audit it, then it’s at least more transparent than the current system of photocopiers and filing cabinets.”
- ETH63’s Paolo Dioquino: “Decentralization and a centralized government can’t be together.”
- Trader Kevin Mateo: “Not against with it. If only the government will allow us to mint our NFT IDs within the centralized blockchain, would be better. Every citizen will be required to get a ledger for secuirty purposes. With this, traffic congestion will be solved I think.”
- FB User Jairus P. Regio: “It’s not decentralized if you only have 3 nodes, which is controlled by 3 gov agencies, then all is controlled by the president itself. A misconception about this blockchain is solely for one’s government agency records like PhilHealth, SSS, or PAGIBIG, and not for ICO of any crypto-based tokens. This is a pure immutable digital ledger nonetheless. Blockchain is always beyond cryptocurrency.”
- Blogger Coin Lookout: “I think this is good but I’m confused with the decentralized though. I am using the app, so far gusto nilang iintegrate lahat ng services into your fingertips. What I wish is sana we can have the off-branch transactions such as registration on SSS, BIR, SEC, etc. tutal our National ID was in the app itself, parang you own your data. That’s how I view the E-Gov app.”
- FB User Sam Lowie Comonical: “Transparency. Nice move sa government. Iwas corrupt para sa pondo. Makita kung saan ba talaga napupunta ung budget and magkano nakalaan kada project.”
The clarification: USEC Almirol clarified that eGOVchain aims to secure and make government transactions transparent with at least three nodes, starting with one government-owned node and others managed by private sector entities.
Key quote:
“We’ll invite several experts for consultative discussions soon. I hope you are free to help and throw some suggestions and recommendations.”
David Almirol, Undersecretary, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)
What’s next: The consultative discussions could provide more information on what the DICT intends to plan about the government blockchain initiative.
This article is published on BitPinas: DICT’s Government Blockchain — eGOVchain — Sparks Debate on Decentralization
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