Evaluating Blockchain for Safeguards

Originally devised for the digital exchange of cryptocurrency, blockchain offers a way for parties in a network to maintain a shared, consistent, and immutable history of transactions. Blockchain is one of many distributed ledger platforms that are being developed for application beyond cryptocurrency, to include use cases in international shipping, food safety, and supply chain security. Such technology has the potential to improve trust, transparency, and efficiency in the management of nuclear safeguards information. Before adopting technology for safeguards uses, it is important to understand how a given technology might efficiently and effectively meet the needs of nuclear facilities and state authorities, as well as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

This workshop, hosted by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the Stimson Center, and the Stanley Center, will explore stakeholder perspectives on the use of distributed ledger technology (DLT) for managing nuclear safeguards information. The workshop will provide an overview of DLT, feature briefings on private sector use cases, and discuss how the technology could be applied for managing and reporting nuclear safeguards information.