<nettime> Oliver Leistert: "Blockcian as a Modulator of Existence"

[Patrice Riemens <patrice@xs4all.nl>]

Now that we have at length (and at leisure)  trashed the blockchain on 
this list, I suddenly stumbled on the first text that made sense of it, 
to me at last. Unfortunately, it paints a very dystopian picture of the 
possibilities of the blockchain.

http://networkcultures.org/moneylab/2018/02/07/the-blockchain-as-a-modulator-of-existence/

The advent of the blockchain as a protocological internet layer for 
values corresponds to a continuing monetization pressure and ongoing 
expansion of identification strategies. Notwithstanding these 
trajectories, behind this prospected killer application resides first of 
all a sovereign chronological regime that has the capacities to proof 
and modulate the existence, identity and administration of data, assets, 
goods and services from a distance on micrological scales.

(...)

It is long, but it is very worthwhile (immo). In the end I could not 
escape the conclusion that the Blockchain indeed makes sense: as the 
slowly being implemented instrument of final accumulation by 
dispossession, with the '1%' terminally appropriating everything that is 
with the '99%', and in the end their very lives as well. That a 
monstruous combination of ubiquitous networking (and surveillance), 
Internet of Things, cryptocurrencies, and probably nanotech for good 
measure, is on the verge of taking over, all 'powered' by the Blockchain 
as immutable and irrevocable timestamp of every human move, bringing the 
scenario of the film 'In Time' closer than ever.

So the Blockchain is no Bullshit after all? Rather an extremely 
dangerous Weapon of Math Destruction which should be prohibited just 
like personnel mines or weaponized gas? Is this the 'see you in 10 years 
time' Oli wat talking about? (vs Carsten)

Not very much to cheer about
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