Colloquium Polaris 05/31/2018

on May 31, 2018 at 2:00 pm

Speaker : Jean-Paul DELAHAYE

Cryptocurrencies and blockchains: successes and uncertainties

Cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin, Ethereum, public and private blockchains, mining, smart-contracts, ICOs and more. Events are happening at breakneck speed on these interrelated subjects, but it is quite difficult to keep up with all the developments and twists and turns. The aim of the presentation will be both to review and explain the fundamental concepts of these areas and technologies, and to list the main points that need to be borne in mind if we are to keep abreast of the latest developments. Here are some of the questions that will be addressed:

  • What is a cryptocurrency? How important is Bitcoin compared with other cryptocurrencies, gold, the dollar and the euro?
  • What is the significance of ‘hard forks’ (such as the one on 1 August 2017 that led to the creation of Bitcoin Cash?)
  • Is price volatility serious?
  • Is the considerable amount of electricity required to run the Bitcoin network avoidable ?
  • Are all cryptocurrencies and blockchains affected?
  • Why are hash functions essential to these technologies?
  • What is a proof of existence?
  • What is a private or semi-private blockchain? etc.

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Amphi Ircica, parc scientifique de la Haute Borne, 50 avenue Halley à Villeneuve d'Ascq

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