Smart Contracts and Their Functions

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a smart contract?

  • To organize and store traditional legal contracts.
  • To create digital versions of traditional legal contracts.
  • To facilitate communication between parties.
  • To embed contractual clauses into hardware and software, making breach expensive. (correct)

A vending machine serves as an example of a primitive smart contract because it:

  • Uses a simple mechanism to perform a contractual exchange. (correct)
  • Stores large amounts of money securely.
  • Operates completely autonomously with no human intervention.
  • Employs complex algorithms to determine the correct product to dispense.

Which technology is NOT a forerunner of smart contracts?

  • Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).
  • Social media platforms. (correct)
  • Point of Sale (POS) terminals.
  • SWIFT, ACH, and FedWire networks.

What is the main benefit of embedding contracts in the world?

<p>Contracts are less susceptible to vandalism and rational breach. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is considered 'naive vandalism' in the context of smart contracts?

<p>Breach due to lack of forethought or limited resources expended. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes reactive security from proactive security in contracts?

<p>Reactive security involves action after a breach, while proactive involves preventing it through design. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the contractual objective of 'observability' primarily entail?

<p>The ability of principals to monitor each other's performance of the contract. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of 'verifiability' in the context of contract design?

<p>For a principal to prove a contract's performance or breach to an arbitrator. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'privity' in contract design refer to?

<p>The concept that contract knowledge and control is only distributed as necessary for that contract's function. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is the 'generalized privity' of contract design most closely aligned with?

<p>The common claim, 'it's none of your business'. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of smart contracts, who is 'Eve the eavesdropper'?

<p>A passive observer who attempts to gain unauthorized information. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'enforceability' aim to achieve in contract design?

<p>To minimize the need for external enforcement while still ensuring contractual obligations are met. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The field of accounting is primarily concerned with making contracts more what?

<p>Observable. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Auditing is mostly concerned with which aspect of contracts?

<p>Verifiability. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What security field most closely aligns with the objective of 'privity' in smart contracts?

<p>Computer and network security. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of privately practiced law organizations (PPLs) in this system?

<p>To bear ultimate responsibility for the criminal activities of their customers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a smart lien in the context of PPLs?

<p>A claim against liquid assets like bank accounts and investments (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated as a key consideration before allowing customers to take risks against non-PPL parties?

<p>The risk must not exceed any liens or insurance coverage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can pollution damage be properly charged to the responsible party?

<p>Through the quantifiable assessment of pollution and existing liens (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of smart contracts as described?

<p>They require constant oversight by legal authorities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism is suggested for trading emission rights?

<p>Market systems set up for trading quantifiable pollution (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a PPL allows their customers to take unmanageable risks?

<p>They risk losing their credit rating (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are liens often used for in the context of PPLs and emissions?

<p>To monitor and assess pollution fees (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the "web of trust" model used in PGP?

<p>To create a decentralized network of trusted individuals for key validation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between the two types of notarization discussed?

<p>The first type involves swearing to the truth of a statement, while the second type involves acknowledging ownership of a document. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major flaw of both PGP's web of trust and X.509's hierarchical system in terms of public key validation?

<p>Both systems lack a clear definition of what is being claimed when a key is certified. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant problem with PGP's web of trust in terms of transitivity?

<p>The chain of introducers quickly weakens, creating a lack of trust in the system. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a certificate generated by a certification authority (CA) in X.509 actually prove?

<p>It proves that a particular key was associated with a particular person at a specific time. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it problematic that PGP and X.509 only provide evidence of past claims about key ownership?

<p>It allows users to easily forge digital signatures and deny their actions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key problem with the concept of a "universally trusted entity" in hierarchical systems like X.509?

<p>It undermines the principles of decentralization and autonomy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does PGP handle trust ratings for key validation?

<p>It uses a weighted scoring system, where multiple signatures can contribute to overall trust. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does the text suggest that a single person may not be suitable for determining the trustworthiness of introducers in PGP's web of trust?

<p>It is unreasonable to expect a single person to have the expertise and knowledge to make such judgments. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the text's main argument regarding the use of biometrics, such as autographs, for public key validation?

<p>Biometrics is unnecessary and can be easily forged, making it less effective than public key cryptography. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it difficult to prove that someone did not sign a document digitally when their key is stolen?

<p>The digital signature does not contain any information about the key owner's identity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the text's stance on the current legal framework for "certifying" a public key?

<p>The legal framework is in need of improvement to better define the scope of claims made by certification authorities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point of comparison between the second type of notarization and the role of certification authorities (CAs) in PEM/X.509?

<p>Both involve verifying the identity of the person signing a document. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between PGP and X.509 in terms of their approach to managing public keys?

<p>PGP uses a decentralized network of trusted individuals, while X.509 relies on a centralized hierarchical system. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the lack of transitivity in PGP's web of trust a significant problem for verifying the trustworthiness of key certifications?

<p>It makes it impossible to determine the validity of a key based on the trust placed in its introducer. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key challenge for both PGP and X.509 in terms of establishing trust in public key systems?

<p>The lack of a clear legal definition of key ownership and the implications of key certification (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary function do contracts serve in a market economy?

<p>To formalize relationships (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the concept of smart contracts?

<p>They are sets of promises specified in digital form with protocols. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is common law of contracts considered valuable in a free market economy?

<p>Replacing it would be prohibitively costly. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has the digital revolution affected the nature of relationships?

<p>It has led to new types of agreements and institutions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant aspect of the traditional function of contracts in politics?

<p>They pertain to social contract theories. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way do computer scientists and cryptographers contribute to the evolution of contracts?

<p>They create more complex algorithms for transaction processing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does algorithmic information theory highlight regarding contract principles?

<p>Recomputing these principles is prohibitively costly. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an implication of smart contracts?

<p>They eliminate the need for legal representation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary difference between a digital signature and an autograph?

<p>A digital signature relies on a private key kept secret. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What function does a 'chop' serve in many Asian countries?

<p>It serves as a unique marking or signature. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does secret sharing accomplish in key management?

<p>It splits a key into parts, sharing control among several parties. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a blind signature?

<p>To sign an object without knowing its content. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about zero-knowledge interactive proofs (ZKIPs) is correct?

<p>They do not reveal any information about the private key. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental requirement for a digital mix to function effectively?

<p>Only one operator out of N needs to be trusted for confidentiality. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of network attacks poses a significant risk to endpoint operations security?

<p>The potential interception and redirection of messages. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can keys be protected against physical attacks?

<p>By keeping the keys in volatile memory. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the 'Mixmaster' software?

<p>It implements features of a digital mix. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of attack does Shamir secret sharing help protect against?

<p>Rubber hose attacks on key holders. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why can digitization of contracts with software agents complicate control over keys?

<p>Keys can be tied to non-identity-based entities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of digital signatures compared to traditional signatures?

<p>They represent a more secure method of verification. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does random public key operation on hardware ensure?

<p>It increases the speed of key operations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of confidential messaging in digital systems?

<p>To protect the identities of communicating parties. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of bearer instrument protocols?

<p>They ensure transfer confidentiality. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do smart contracts aim to reduce in commercial transactions?

<p>Fraud and enforcement costs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a Chaumian credential?

<p>To prove ownership of claims without revealing identities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a smart lien?

<p>The sharing of smart property between the owner and lienholder. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'proprietary firing sequence' refer to in the context of smart property?

<p>Data necessary for the operation of smart devices. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can debts traditionally be collected by banks?

<p>Through coercive methods or secure collateral. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which technology can assist in the enforcement of smart contracts?

<p>Blockchain for transparency. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an OND in the context of smart property?

<p>Operational Necessary Data required for property function. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is enforcement of liens usually done by the government?

<p>Because taxpayers subsidize the enforcement process. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might happen if a loan taken out for a smart property is not repaid?

<p>The lender may automatically regain control of the property. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of embedding smart contracts in physical objects?

<p>They provide automated enforcement of ownership rights. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation regarding the liability of a party?

<p>It is influenced by the amount of collateral and the ability to deter behavior. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of tamper detection in smart property?

<p>To maintain the integrity of operational data. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'negative credential' imply?

<p>A claim about a negative attribute, like a poor credit rating. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of using smart contracts in relation to lawyers and the legal system?

<p>They cut through complex jurisdictional barriers. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does an arbitrator play in smart contracts?

<p>They resolve disputes and enforce penalties. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of smart contracts minimizes vulnerability to third parties?

<p>Increased verifiability. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a public key in public key cryptography?

<p>To enable others to send encrypted messages to the corresponding private key holder. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common issue does public key cryptography help address?

<p>The accessibility of keys by unauthorized users. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do cryptographic protocols enhance smart contracts?

<p>By improving observability, verifiability, and enforceability. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk associated with smart contracts regarding transaction semantics?

<p>They can use protocols that obscure important actions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of secret key cryptography?

<p>It requires only one shared key between parties. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the RSA algorithm in smart contracts?

<p>It is the most widely used method for public key cryptography. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenge do multinational businesses face that smart contracts can help resolve?

<p>Legal costs associated with varying jurisdictions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is trust crucial in the role of mediators and arbitrators within smart contracts?

<p>They handle all disputes and penalties fairly. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of encryption in smart contracts?

<p>To secure communication between parties through protected information. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of hidden actions in smart contracts?

<p>Potential violation of confidentiality. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument for why fixed methods for claiming information about a key are problematic?

<p>Current understanding of public-key cryptography is insufficient to define such methods. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should standards for claiming information about keys emerge?

<p>Through the evolution of diverse end uses and case law-like development. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended alternative for securing keys in the face of 'man in the middle' attacks when certification authorities are not available?

<p>Establishing a persistent pattern of behavior associated with the key. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'nym' according to the text?

<p>A unique identifier that links only a small amount of related information about a person. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the relationship between 'nyms' and reputation?

<p>Nyms can gain reputation within their specific community. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential consequence of knowing someone's 'true name' according to the text?

<p>It grants significant power to one's enemies, potentially for malicious purposes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a component of a 'persona' as defined in the text?

<p>A physical address linked to the persona. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of using blind signatures in the context of digital bearer instruments?

<p>They provide a secure method for transferring ownership of digital assets. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main varieties of digital bearer instruments mentioned in the text?

<p>Online and offline, depending on the level of security required. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'transferee-unlinkability' refer to in the context of digital bearer instruments?

<p>The clearing agent cannot link the receiver of a digital asset to the transaction. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary example of a digital bearer instrument as cited in the text?

<p>Digital cash transactions processed through a bank. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between 'online' and 'offline' digital bearer instruments?

<p>Online instruments can be cleared during transfer, making them verifiable and observable. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a clearing agent in the context of digital bearer instruments?

<p>To mediate transactions and prevent double-spending. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a potential type of privacy offered by digital bearer instruments?

<p>Complete anonymity in all transactions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of digital bearer instruments according to the text?

<p>To facilitate the anonymous transfer of digital assets. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Contract

A set of promises agreed upon, formalizing a relationship.

Social contract

Theories on the mutual agreements constituting societies.

Common law

Law developed through decisions of courts rather than written statutes.

Digital revolution

Significant change brought about by digital technology and networks.

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Smart contract

Digital agreements with built-in protocols for enforcement.

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Algorithmic information theory

Study of how information can be represented and processed by algorithms.

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Market economy

Economic system where supply and demand determine prices and production.

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Property rights

Legal rights to own, use, and manage property.

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Vending Machine Analogy

An early example of a self-enforcing mechanism resembling smart contracts.

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Proactive Security

Measures that prevent breaches by making violations costly.

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Reactive Security

Measures that respond to breaches after they occur.

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Observability

The ability to monitor contract performance between parties.

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Verifiability

Ability to prove whether a contract has been performed or breached.

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Privity

Control over contract should be limited to the involved parties.

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Naive Vandalism

Breaches made without forethought or significant resources.

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Sophisticated Vandalism

Intentional breaches where substantial resources are sacrificed.

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Contract Design Objectives

Four key goals for creating effective contracts: observability, verifiability, privity, and enforceability.

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Enforceability

The ability to uphold contract terms and minimize enforcement needs.

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Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

Automated exchange of documents between companies.

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Point of Sale (POS)

Systems for processing payments and sales transactions.

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Commercial Security Models

Frameworks that facilitate secure business transactions.

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Automata Theory

A field of study concerning computation and automated processes.

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Self-Enforcing Protocols

Protocols that automatically enforce compliance without third-party intervention.

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Arbitrator

A trusted third party that resolves disputes based on the contract's execution.

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Confidentiality in Smart Contracts

Maintaining privacy in contract terms, often violated only during disputes.

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Hidden Actions

Unseen operations performed by software that affect contract execution.

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Cryptographic Protocols

Mathematical methods for secure communication used in smart contracts.

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Private Key

A secret key used to decrypt messages encrypted with a corresponding public key.

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Public Key

A publicly shared key used to encrypt messages directed to the holder of the private key.

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RSA Algorithm

A widely used method for public key cryptography ensuring secure transmissions.

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Digital Signatures

Cryptographic means of verifying the authenticity and integrity of digital messages.

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Transaction Semantics

The meaning behind the actions taken in a transaction, crucial for contract clarity.

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Smart Fine Print

Hidden actions taken by software in the execution of contracts.

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Chop

A hand-carved block used as a personal seal in some cultures.

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Blind Signature

A signature that allows for verification without revealing content.

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Secret Sharing

Splitting a key into parts, needing only some to recreate it.

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Zero-Knowledge Proof

A method proving knowledge of a key without revealing it.

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Digital Mix

Technique to allow anonymous communication over a network.

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Traffic Analysis

Study of communication data to infer relationships.

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Public Key Security

System to keep keys safe from network attacks.

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Rubber Hose Attack

Coercive method to force key disclosure.

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End Point Security

Protection of the user endpoint in network communication.

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Smart Agents

Software agents that perform tasks in smart contracts.

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Chaumian Credentials

Digital credentials ensuring user privacy and authenticity.

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Network Protocol

Rules governing communication within a network.

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Keys and Identity Binding

Linking keys to individuals or entities securely.

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P2P Communication

Direct data exchange between parties without intermediaries.

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Public-key Cryptography

A method that uses pairs of keys for secure communication.

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X.509

A standard for public key infrastructure and digital certificates.

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PGP Web of Trust

A decentralized model for associating trust with cryptographic keys.

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Claims about Keys

Statements made regarding the use or ownership of a key.

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True Name

An identifier linking extensive information about a person.

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Nym

An alias that links minimal, context-specific information about a person.

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Persona

A persistent pattern of behavior linked to an individual.

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Reputable Name

A nym or true name associated with high reputation.

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Digital Bearer Instruments

Unique objects issued and cleared by a clearing agent.

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Transferer-Unlinkability

Privacy preventing a clearing agent from linking transfer origins.

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Transitive Certs

Credibility through chains of trust connecting different identities.

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Non-Transitive Certs

Direct links to identity that do not transfer trust.

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Clearing Agent

A party verifying transactions involving digital bearer instruments.

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Persistence of Behavior

Consistent actions that establish trustworthiness over time.

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Privately Practiced Law Organizations (PPLs)

Entities that provide legal services and bear responsibility for clients' actions.

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Smart Liens

Legal claims against assets that enable enforcement of contract terms.

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Emission Rights Markets

Trading systems for rights to emit certain pollutants.

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Consumer Liability

Responsibility of consumers for damages they cause.

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Pollution Damage Assessment

Evaluating harm caused by pollution to people or property.

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Contractual Arrest Clauses

Contract terms that allow for the arrest of customers under specific conditions.

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Cross-Communication in Smart Contracts

Interaction between different fields to improve smart contract development.

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Risk Management in PPLs

Protocols that prevent clients from taking uninsurable risks.

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Pretty Good Privacy (PGP)

A data encryption and decryption program that uses public key cryptography.

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Web of Trust

A decentralized trust model where users validate each other's keys.

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Introducers in PGP

Trusted individuals who can validate other users' public keys.

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Transitivity in Trust

The idea that trust can be extended among different parties.

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Trust Ratings in PGP

A system assigning levels of trust to users based on certifications.

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Alice's Key Ring

A collection of public keys that Alice trusts in PGP.

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Certification Authorities (CAs)

Entities that validate and issue digital certificates for public keys.

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Notarization Types

Acts of certifying the truth of statements or ownership of documents.

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Claims of Key Ownership

The assertion that a specific public key belongs to a specific individual.

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Key Certification Process

The procedure of validating a public key's association with a user.

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Liability of CAs

The legal responsibility of certification authorities for errors or frauds.

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Revocation of Keys

The act of invalidating a public key when compromised or outdated.

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Decentralized Fault-Tolerance

A system design that avoids single points of failure through distributed trust.

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Bearer Instrument Protocols

Enable online payments while ensuring unforgeability and transfer confidentiality.

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Positive Credential

A claim revealing advantageous information about a party.

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Negative Credential

A claim containing undesirable information about a party.

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Bearer Credential

A digital credential tied to the issuing organization rather than individual identity.

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Smart Property

Physical objects embedded with smart contracts to control their usage.

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Operating Necessary Data (OND)

Data essential for the operation of smart property.

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Zero Knowledge Interactive Proof (ZKIP)

Ensures encrypted communication with devices without revealing secret data.

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Lien

A legal claim on property as security for a debt.

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Credit Reputation

The perceived reliability of a party to repay debts.

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Collateral

Assets pledged as security for repayment of a loan.

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Co-signing

An agreement where a third party secures a loan with their reputation.

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Dunning Letters

Payment reminders sent to debtors as part of collection efforts.

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