Blockchain and Postal Digital Services: Opportunities and Drawbacks

Abstract

Blockchain is a technology that allows information or value to be transferred over the Internet on a peer-to-peer network without intermediaries and without the use of a trusted third party. This technology is being used to develop services in various sectors such as finance, logistics, and health care. Regarding digital public services, in particular those provided by postal operators (POs), we consider blockchain to be an opportunity. Because of its unique characteristics (traceability, immutability, transparency, and decentralization), it is a way to efficiently redesign these services.However, the different blockchain applications raise issues related to the legal framework in place, at the French and European level, and even at the internationl level. Thus, several regulatory issues must now be taken into account for an efficient use of blockchain.