A new blockchain-powered hate platform called Venge allows users to place anonymous bounties on actions designed to harass or terrorize specific individuals. These actions include doxxing, revenge porn, “swatting,” social media harassment, vandalism even violence. With one tap, you can pay someone else to act on your anger, frustration, or hate. Smart contracts pay out the bounties immediately in untraceable cryptocurrencies upon proof of completed action. Just as the Internet made it easier to anonymously harass other people, the anonymity and lack of regulation inherent in the case of cryptocurrencies makes it easier to pay people to carry out acts of hate.
–from Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens course by Institute for the Future
The Institute for the Future presented some guide questions to keep the conversation going. Here are my responses:
What new things might happen in this future, that can’t happen today?
Committing a crime in this future becomes ironically income-generating. The platform enables bad actors to realize their plans while remaining anonymous. However, the people who get paid to do the actual act bear the burden and fear of being caught. Organized groups can also find a way to maximize the platform to gain profit committing crimes for other people while remaining off the grid from law-enforcements.
What would you be excited about in this future?
I don’t have anything to be excited about in this future.
What would you worry about in this future?
I worry about being mistaken as the person with a bounty on. Harassment in this future also becomes a nightmare lurking in the dark.
Who benefits in this future?
Those who want to act out their anger, frustration, or hate will profoundly benefit in this future because, thanks to anonymity, no one can point the finger at them. The bullies, inferiors, and jealous people could also maximize the platform in their favor.
Who is at a disadvantage in this future?
The law enforcers would be at a disadvantage because the smart contracts act as a smokescreen for the bad actors. The innocent might suffer needlessly. While those who want to change for the better might become trapped by the consequences of their past.
Do you share the same sentiments like I do? Let’s keep the conversation going! Feel free to message me here or share this post with a friend.
Want to read more about blockchain? What is it and how will it affect our lives in the future? Here’s some recommended reading for you:
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