Blockchain Applications in Gun Control
Blockchain applications in gun control are most likely to be effective if they help facilitate background checks, help track the flow of guns, and help create a stable economic climate. Blockchain protocol can help with background checks by helping create and maintain a database that is accurate, resistant to hacking, and easy to access. Tracking the transfer of guns from manufacturer to dealer to end user can also be readily improved through blockchain technology, similar to what is being done in other markets that require accurate tracking to ensure safety. Finally, blockchain applications in central banking have the potential to allow finer tuning of the economy and a more rapid response to economic recessions.
Background checks currently are typically performed by querying the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The NICS is a series of databases maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). If a query turns up negative, then the gun transfer is approved typically within minutes. However, if the person desiring to purchase the gun shows up on the database, the law allows for three days to further investigate prior to allowing the sale.
The NICS system is a centralized, hub and spoke type of database. All inquiries must be made to the central database which is maintained by a single organization. This type of database structure has a low fault tolerance in that it presents a single point of attack for a hacker and a single point for human errors in data entry and management. The imperfect nature of the NCIS is even recognized by the FBI, which reports that about 3000 people pass the NICS background check every year, in spite of being prohibited from buying a gun by state or federal law [11]. Fully distributed databases, such as the distributed bitcoin ledger, are more robust against attack, are easier to update, easier to maintain, and could also track the flow of guns from manufacturer to end user.
The strength of the blockchain protocol in maintaining an accurate ledger is widely recognized as a significant improvement in product tracking. For example, Walmart has partnered with IBM to create a blockchain system of tracking food and supply chains [12]. Blockchain systems are also being proposed as a better way to control nuclear energy exports and control the distribution of marijuana [13, 14].
Blockchain applications in finance could greatly improve economic stability globally, and as a result have a positive impact upon public health and gun violence by decreasing the conditions that potentially increase violence such as high unemployment and business recessions. Cryptocurrencies, which use the blockchain protocol, could potentially help stabilize central banks by boosting their reserves or by decreasing their seigniorage [15]. Although central banks do not have uniform policies regarding cryptocurrencies, there is a growing realization that bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are here to stay [16, 17]. In order to maximize public health benefits of blockchain in finance, an aggressive approach at integrating the technology right now into existing systems is recommended [18].