The Case Against Blockchain for Voting
At a recent RSA Security Conference in San Francisco, renowned computer scientist Ronald Rivest took a firm stance against the use of blockchain technology for voting. In his eyes, voting isn’t just a routine task—it’s a complex challenge that merits a much stricter security approach than what blockchain provides.
A Cryptographic Perspective
Rivest, a cryptography expert at MIT, compared using blockchain in elections to bringing a combination lock to a kitchen fire. While it has its merits in specific contexts, it’s simply inadequate for the nuances of voting. He emphasized the need for a system that maintains software independence, ensuring that votes can’t be manipulated without immediate accountability.
Why Software Independence Matters
Rivest’s critique didn’t stop at calling blockchain inappropriate; he stressed the need for software independence in voting. This concept involves relying on physical evidence—like paper ballots—rather than trusting potentially flawed software systems. As Rivest aptly stated, trusting your vote to a software program could lead you down a “dangerous path.” We don’t need tech-infused anxiety on top of election stress!
Lessons from the Iowa Caucus
Rivest’s comments come in light of the notorious Iowa Democratic Caucus fiasco, where a mobile app went haywire, stalling the crucial reporting of results. This incident has forced regulators and tech firms to reconsider the viability of mobile and blockchain-based voting systems.
Blockchain: Useful, but Not Here
Blockchain may excel in keeping records immutable, but in Rivest’s view, this can be a double-edged sword when it comes to voting. “Once they’ve had the chance to manipulate your vote, it goes on the blockchain and never gets changed again,” he warned. Sounds like an echo chamber for bad decisions!
The Future of Voting Technology
While many continue to tout the potential of blockchain in voting, Rivest argues that simpler solutions, like ensuring the integrity of paper ballots, can suffice. Some companies are trying to innovate, like Kaspersky Lab’s recent unveiling of a blockchain-based voting system. However, critics maintain that any e-voting solution should build on trust rather than over-complicating a fundamental civic duty.
