Il futuro è (quasi) smart: utilizzi impropri della tecnologia blockchain e spunti di riflessione dal design discourse

Abstract

The article addresses the possible distorting effects arising from the application of distributed ledger computing technologies-particularly blockchainon self-enforcing computer protocols, commonly known as smart contracts. Starting with a review of the case of the U.S. digital platform TheDao, the analysis focuses on the characteristics of blockchain technology by highlighting its most challenging aspects, which, when not properly and prioritized, can also give rise to illicit agreements. The article suggests, therefore, that the adoption of a «by design» approach – as a universal and dynamic interpretive tool – would mitigate and contain this risk without, however, limiting or, even worse, haltering the inevitable technological progress underway.