A Blockchain Application Prototype for the Internet of Things

The emergence of the Internet of things (IoT), associated with the explosion in the number of connected objects, and the growth in user needs, makes the Internet network very complex. IoT objects are diverse and heterogeneous, which requires establishing interoperability and efficient identity management on the one hand. On the other hand, centralized architectures such as cloud-based ones can have overhead and high latency, with a potential risk of failure. Facing these challenges, Blockchain technology, with its decentralized architecture based on a distributed peer-to-peer network, offers a new infrastructure that allows IoT objects to interact reliably and securely. In this paper, a new approach is proposed with a three-layer architecture: layer of sensing and collection of data made up of the IoT network, layer of processing and saving of data exchanges at the Blockchain level, and access and visualization layer via a web interface. The prototype implemented in this study allows all transactions (data exchanges) generated by IoT devices to be recorded and stored on a dedicated Blockchain, assuring the security of IoT objects\u27 communications. This prototype also enables access to and visualization of all data and information, thus enhancing the IoT network\u27s transparency

Electronic Payments: Guide on Legal and Regulatory Reforms and Best Practices for Developing Countries

Electronic payments (e-payments) occur whenever payment instructions, initiated by a device such as a computer or mobile phone, enter a payments system via the Internet or any other telecommunications network. E-payments can be assisted by non-banking channels. They enhance the speed, efficiency and safety of payments. However, to reap all such benefits, e-payments require new legal and regulatory solutions to accommodate both the promise and risks inherent in the quickening pace of development. This Guide sets out a general framework addressing e-payment systems in a broad international/cross-border context, as well as addresses regulatory principles, risk of legal uncertainty and e-payments services under international trade law

An Architecture for Spam Regulation

Junk email, commonly referred to as spam, is the current scourge of the Internet. In late 2004, unwanted email messages were being delivered at a rate of 12.4 billion per day. The variety of tools used to combat spam have failed to make a significant impact. Legislative efforts, such as the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003, met with substantial enforcement complications. The communications industry responded with a variety of technical advances, such as filters and blacklists, but those innovations are still unable to reliably distinguish between wanted and unwanted messages. Real coordination between legislative and technical spam control tactics has yet to happen, and it has been suggested that the consensus necessary to support such coordination is not available. This Note explains how spammers operate and suggests that failure to effectively combat spam may drive email users to other means of electronic communication. A short history of legal and technical responses to the spam problem is presented, including a look at how the First Amendment affects the effort to reduce spam. Authentication-based systems of regulating spam, proposed by private industry, are then examined in detail. This Note suggests alterations of those systems, allowing for greater First Amendment protection for message senders and greater individual control over receipt of messages. Finally, this Note concludes by arguing that an architectural framework based on these authentication systems would effectively enable legislators and the Internet industry to work together to reduce spare, backed by the support of an Internet community eager for the end of unwanted email messages

Payment Transactions Under the EU Payment Services Directive: A U.S. Comparative Perspective

This article endeavours to analyse the provisions of Title IV governing rights and obligations in relation to the provision and use of payment services. Analysis is particularly from a US comparative perspective. Attention will be given to Uniform Commercial Code ( UCC ) Article 4A, which governs U.S. wire and other credit transfers as well as federal laws governing consumer retail payment systems. A broader but related objective of the article is the assessment of the contribution of Title IV to the harmonization of funds transfer and payment law, not only by comparison to the U.S., but also by reference to a few aspects of a national law of an EU Member State. Scope does not allow a comprehensive treatment to either aspect, particularly the latter; yet, salient issues will be addressed. The ultimate conclusion is that the Directive is a positive but inadequate step towards global and European harmonization