IBM applies for blockchain-based web browser patent with the US Patent Office

U.S. tech giant IBM has applied for a new patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a blockchain-based web browser.

According to a patent application released on 8/6, IBM has submitted a patent application for a system that stores web browsers on the blockchain. The described browser will collect information during web browsing and transmit it to peer nodes in a peer-to-peer network for on-chain storage of browser internal events.

In simple terms, the browser will collect predefined signals from web browsing history. These signals will then be sent to a "peer node" network for collection and storage. The signal collection depends on the selected browsing experience type. For example, browsing on engineering servers and personal browsers will require different settings.

Data that can be stored on the chain includes:

Visited websites, bookmarks, search items, geolocation, plugin installations, and browser security device records, etc.

As stated by the browser designer:

We have provided a system for storing browser signals to protect privacy and place privacy in the hands of the user rather than a third party.

Perhaps this may not sound particularly significant, but readers can consider the importance of "online privacy." From the Snowden incident in the US in 2013, to the recent Facebook privacy issues, and even the almost frenzied "online surveillance" in mainland China, where everyone will have a credit score, isn't it terrifying that every website you visit will be recorded in your score?

This is also why blockchain is so important in this era; it can eliminate the "trust issue" between us, without the need for third-party intervention.

Not only IBM has introduced similar concepts, according to a report, the internet browser company Opera has launched the iOS version of its blockchain-ready mobile web browser Opera Touch.

Further Reading

• Opera browser announces support for Bitcoin and TRX
• Ethereum's transformation is imminent, how to participate in the node ecosystem?

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