The Double Edge of Absolute Trust: The Ethical Paradox of Blockchain

José Martin Leonardo Marquez Vaamonde

Diginomics, 2025, vol. 4, 150

Abstract: Introduction: The study examined blockchain technology as a pillar of Web3, highlighting its principles of immutability, transparency, and decentralization. It analyzed the paradox that these same virtues could become disadvantages when it was necessary to correct errors, delete data, or deal with malicious uses, generating legal and ethical tensions. Development: Cases and studies were reviewed that showed how immutability guaranteed integrity and resistance to censorship but was incompatible with rights such as the “right to be forgotten” under the GDPR. Situations were also documented in which decentralization empowered both legitimate actors and criminals, eliminating consumer protection mechanisms. Faced with these dilemmas, solutions such as off-chain storage, updatable smart contracts, decentralized identity, and zero-knowledge proofs were evaluated. The proposal for double validation was highlighted, which incorporated a layer of smart contract verification to authenticate the origin and legitimacy of information before it was recorded. The validation of sensitive content by the people involved was also proposed as a strategy to prevent defamation, misinformation, or the dissemination of illegal material. Conclusion: The paper concluded that the potential of blockchain lay in its integration within an ethical, legal, and social framework. The implementation of mandatory verification and validation mechanisms strengthened accountability and individual protection, transforming blockchain into a tool that is not only secure and transparent, but also fair and socially responsible.

Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:dbk:digino:v:4:y:2025:i::p:150:id:1056294digi2025150

DOI: 10.56294/digi2025150

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