Transparency and Trust: The Societal Impact of Blockchain Technology

Suzette Senzongo
Digital GEMs
Published in
4 min readJul 27, 2023

As we conclude our triptych articles exploring the transformative impact of blockchain technology on various aspects of our world, we now delve into the last canvas of this transformative masterpiece: the profound influence of blockchain on society. In this article, we unveil how blockchain fosters transparency, trust, and empowerment, reshaping governance, driving social services, and paving the way for a more interconnected and inclusive global community.

Blockchain technology has become a transformative force that is transcending specific industries and fundamentally revolutionizing society. In this article, we look at four distinct areas where blockchain can have a profound impact: promoting transparency and trust, driving financial inclusion, revolutionizing governance, and improving social services. Using real-world examples, we explore how blockchain can transform society and lead us to a more just, connected and secure future.

Illustration of a group of people representing a society in the middle of a digitalized circle
Created by Suzette SENZONGO on Canva

In an age where transparency and trust are paramount, blockchain technology empowers society with unparalleled solutions.

The decentralized and tamper-proof nature of the blockchain empowers society with unprecedented levels of transparency and trust. For example, in the area of ​​supply chain management, the global retail giant Walmart has adopted blockchain to track groceries from source to shelf. This innovative solution enables consumers to obtain detailed information about the origin of products, ensuring ethical sourcing, promoting sustainable practices and building trust in the supply chain.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is another prominent example of using blockchain to distribute aid to Syrian refugees in Jordan. By recording transactions on the blockchain, WFP ensures transparency and accountability in aid distribution, reducing the risk of fraud and ensuring that resources reach those who need them most.

Illustration of a group of people working together on global financial issues.
Created by Suzette SENZONGO on Canva

Blockchain’s potential for financial inclusion is redefining access to services worldwide.

Blockchain technology is driving financial inclusion, making financial services accessible to the unbanked and underbanked. In Kenya, mobile money platform M-Pesa uses blockchain to give people a seamless and affordable way to send and receive money, access credit, and make payments. This revolutionary financial system has lifted many out of poverty, fostered economic empowerment, and improved their overall quality of life.

Organizations like UNICEF have begun accepting cryptocurrencies as donations, allowing donors to be more transparent and accountable in how their funds are spent. Blockchain technology can track donations and their distribution in real-time, enhancing donor trust and encouraging continued support for humanitarian causes.

Illustration of someone actively involved in governance and civic projects
Created by Suzette SENZONGO on Canva

Governance and civic participation enter a new era with blockchain technology.

Blockchain is revolutionizing governance by fostering more inclusive and participatory decision-making processes. In 2019, the city of Moscow introduced a groundbreaking e-voting system based on blockchain technology. This platform allows citizens to participate in various city-wide initiatives, referendums, and voting processes through their smartphones or computers. The e-voting system utilizes blockchain to ensure transparency, security, and immutability of votes. Each vote is encrypted and recorded on the blockchain, making it tamper-proof and verifiable by all participants. The decentralized nature of the blockchain eliminates the need for a central authority to oversee the voting process, enhancing trust among citizens.

Another notable example is the use of blockchain in land registry systems. In Sweden, the Lantmäteriet agency explores blockchain’s potential to streamline land transactions, reducing bureaucracy, and ensuring the accuracy of property ownership records. This technology offers a secure and transparent way to manage land rights, combat corruption, and enhance trust in the real estate sector.

Blockchain technology heralds a new era of transparency, inclusiveness and efficiency for society. Embracing this technology is not just about optimizing systems but also about redefining our values as a global community. When we observe its impact, it is clear that blockchain is a catalyst for positive change. Through continued innovation and adoption, blockchain has the potential to create a more just, connected and secure future for our global society.

Our triptych of articles exploring the blockchain revolution across the economy, education, and society paints a vivid picture of a world transformed by decentralized technology. From streamlining financial systems and empowering learners to fostering transparency in governance and enhancing social services, blockchain’s impact knows no bounds. While challenges such as scalability, data privacy, and regulatory compliance remain, the potential for positive change is undeniable. As we continue to embrace this transformative force, we stand on the brink of a more inclusive, transparent, and empowered future, where blockchain technology shapes a world that belongs to all and lay the foundation for a better tomorrow.

If you enjoyed this exploration of blockchain’s influence, show your appreciation with a clap and share it to inspire others. Leave a comment sharing your thoughts on the transformative impact of blockchain.

Also, don’t forget to check out our previous articles on blockchain’s remarkable journey through the economy and education for a comprehensive understanding of the triptych of this transformative technology.

About this article

This article has been written by a student on the Grenoble Ecole de Management’s Advanced Masters in Digital Strategy Management. As part of a content creation assignment, students are given the task of writing articles based on their digital interests and disseminating the articles online. Articles are marked but we make minimal changes to the content. Thanks for reading! James Barisic, Programme Director, MS DSM.

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