At Bit2Me we have set up a space especially dedicated to interaction and communication through digital resources such as online conferences. Where we seek to cover all topics of interest to the cryptographic community in reference to blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies and all their applications.
For this reason, this Tuesday, May 26, the Bit2Me team held a virtual conference. Where the special guest participated Tomás García Merás, expert in Cryptography, Digital Signatures, Cybersecurity and Blockchain.
Tomás García Merás has led iconic projects for the public sector, such as Client @firma. And he has collaborated with a multitude of organizations in the security of their services. Such as the Ministry of Finance and Public Function, the National Mint and Stamp Factory, the Senate of Spain, the Tax Agency or the National Police Corps.
Also, the Commercial Director and CSO of Bit2Me, Javier Pastor, as well as the Director of Public Relations and Social Networks, Giovanny Montealegre, were the hosts during this online meeting. The purpose of which was to show the cryptographic community the potential and benefits that blockchain technology brings when applied to the public and financial sectors.
On the other hand, it is noteworthy that Tomás García Merás is the current Public Sector Manager in ATSystems. A Spanish company dedicated to providing information services and technologies. Likewise, Tomás' participation in the development of important projects within the sector has granted him well-deserved international recognition.
Tomás García tells us about the development of his work and research
During the online meeting, Tomás tells us that he has been developing research projects on electronic signatures and fingerprints for many years. He also mentions that since 2007 the development of possible applications of cryptography in public administration sectors began in Spain. And currently he is actively working on the development of blockchain technology. This is in order to have new modernization methods for the automation of procedures and administrative processes.
In reference to this, Tomás pointed out that:
People will remember when they began to sign the income tax return, the electronic application for the Padron. All these procedures that we are now a little used to doing online, and that we miss that not all of them are online, since it meant, let's say, a great boost to cryptography.
Likewise, Tomás mentioned the current projects being developed in the area. Projects that seek to impact and improve the lives of citizens. Highlighting that the conceptual research that is currently being carried out is focused on the modernization of archives and judicial and extrajudicial systems. In addition to the digitization of administrative records with blockchain, among others.
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Blockchain technology in the Spanish public administration
Our Commercial Director and CSO spoke with Tomás García about which part of the public administration is most interested in or is already applying blockchain technology in its sector. This is in order to have a clear appreciation of how the country's public institutions view this technology.
However, as Tomás mentioned, we must not forget that the public administration and all its institutions rely on the technological infrastructure designed by the General Secretariat of District Administration. Therefore, the implementation of blockchain technology within public institutions has become somewhat complicated.
Instead of the autonomous communities, ministries, organizations, departments... having to make their registration software, archiving software, processing software, the General Secretariat of District Administration... make software that is distributed free of charge to all entities and all they reuse it.
Likewise, Tomás mentions that:
That the SGAD has no interest in the blockchain is creating a brake.
Referring to the fact that this organization has shown little interest in the advantages and benefits that can be achieved by implementing blockchain technology. Which has also generated a pause in adoption by other organizations, which will not risk adopting the technology alone. However, Tomás mentions the “timid initiatives” that other organizations have had.
For instance, Bilbao City Council has adopted blockchain technology to carry out the Electronic Registration Registry. Through which citizen or business representation before the public administration will be carried out. In addition, The government of Aragon implemented blockchain technology to carry out public works bidding processes electronically.
Tomás García: There are limitations in the adoption of blockchain by institutions
First of all, Tomás García believes that since the blockchain is, at its core, an immutable data record, this may not fit with current data protection policies. Since there are no directives that allow us to clearly visualize which processes can be carried out by implementing the blockchain and which cannot. In order to avoid mistakes in the management of information that cause sanctions and other measures.
In addition, consider that the natural way in which administrative processes are carried out and that they have been known all their lives can slow down adoption.
For his part, Javier Pastor believes that although a push is necessary from the SGAD to support the massive adoption and implementation of blockchain in public administration, the process may begin to be carried out progressively.
Long-term implications of blockchain technology applied to public administration
Emphasizing the judicial sector, Tomás mentions that:
The functions of the notary are basically the notarial protocols that are still a documentary file... In the future we could have a file whose index (not the documents yet for data protection) but if the index were maintained in a blockchain... We would know for sure that there is or that has been lost because the index is there.
Likewise, Tomás highlighted that the implementation of digital fingerprints can ensure the integrity of the index. Preventing anyone from modifying the index to make documents appear or disappear for convenience or personal benefit. In addition, the implementation of blockchain would also greatly facilitate the processes of delivering or receiving documents. Questioning the need for the services of a notary or a judicial attorney.
We have fingerprints to control the integrity, we have the electronic signature to control the authenticity of the document and we have blockchain to record the document.
How has blockchain technology been adopted in other parts of the world?
In reference to this topic, Tomás García highlights that in Europe there is a great advantage regarding the adoption of blockchain. Since we have been working based on regulations that are applicable to member states, such as the eIDAS.
This regulation establishes the judicial bases that allow progress towards a true digital single market. With eIDAS Citizens of the European Union and member states will be able to enjoy trusted digital services. Since it facilitates the realization of secure transactions between companies, companies and citizens in general. And although it does not directly contemplate the adoption of blockchain, it does so for the asymmetric cryptography, which is the root of blockchain, Tomás explained.
So there is already a legal basis from which to start towards a decentralized future with blockchain.
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Tomás García: Cryptography and blockchain have great advantages for users and institutions
Asymmetric cryptography has become one of the most powerful and secure encryption techniques that exist today. Its multiple applications can provide great benefits to both users and public or private institutions.
In this sense, Tomás refers to the new Electronic ID 4.0, the personal identification document that all citizens in Spain will use at the end of the year. Which is based on cryptography and will implement blockchain-compatible keys. So it could be used safely and reliably to store data, important information and even the private keys associated with a cryptocurrency.
Likewise, depending on the range of application or the utility that you want to give to these powerful tools, completely different models can be activated. Users and institutions can enjoy greater anonymity or carry out their processes in a recognized manner. Tomás pointed out as an example.
Adaptation of cryptocurrencies to the public and social sector
For his part, referring to cryptocurrencies as such, Tomás highlighted that since they are a rather difficult good to catalog, institutions and the public sector need regulations that allow them to adapt the concept of cryptocurrency to their areas.
The city council supported the test in Ethereum, and had to buy ether. How do you buy an ether administration? When the administration buys something, that good has to be appraised, inventoried and cataloged..
Referring to the tests carried out by the Alcobendas city council for the implementation of a transparent and innovative voting and citizen participation system. However, during the testing phase, several problems were detected, which were related to public administration.
The auditor... who makes the inspections that public money is spent appropriately, has to know how much he has bought, where it is, what he has bought, what value it has... Imagine the difficulty when all this is not in real decree, it is not in a ministerial order, it is not anywhere.
Therefore, the need to define what a cryptocurrency is and how it can appear within the concepts of public administration stands out. So that institutions and other entities can manage cryptocurrencies in the same way as they manage their inventories, resources and payment for services.
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