#KEBS Approved Lab

[best-testing-lab-uae]

KEBS Approved Lab | +971 554747210

[teiraymondmccoy78]

Is Facebook working on a cryptocurrency?

Is Facebook working on a cryptocurrency?

There’s a lot going on in the world of decentralised networking and not just the daily rollercoaster ride of the cryptocurrency markets. A decade after the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto first unleashed Bitcoin on an unsuspecting world, the blockchain has grown and branched out and now a thousand flowers blossom, some of them rather peculiar blooms indeed.

Look around and you’ll see that blockchains are apparently the answer to every problem. From replacing the global banking system to guaranteeing the provenance of diamonds to paying your dentist – there’s a blockchain for that.

Overhyped they may be, but blockchains actually are a big deal and they will get bigger. Their potential for secure ‘trustless’ interchange is too great to ignore and once the silliness has died down inevitably some serious use cases will emerge.

Indeed that’s already starting to happen, hence this blog. We’ll be updating this page every few days to reflect the serious innovations bubbling up in this most interesting and volatile of spaces. (Also check out our rolling 5G coverage.)

18/12/2018 Is Facebook working on a cryptocurrency?

Facebook has been quietly assembling a group of experts, academics, cryptographers and engineers with experience in blockchain and cryptocurrencies, according to a report from Cheddar.com.

The group was inaugurated in April this year and reportedly now numbers 30 or 40 individuals. It is headed by David Marcus, vice president of Facebook Messenger and former PayPal president. Many of his recent hires are also ex-employees of PayPal while others have online payments backgrounds from companies like Google and Samsung. Some are former members of cryptocurrency startups – stoking the long-running rumour that Facebook may be developing its own coin.

Facebook has said little about cryptocurrencies, save to ban ads for ICOs a while back, and it remains characteristically  tight-lipped about its plans.

“Like many other companies Facebook is exploring ways to leverage the power of blockchain technology,” a spokesperson said.  “This new small team is exploring many different applications. We don’t have anything further to share.”

It could be that Facebook is looking to emulate China’s WeChat  – a sort of Facebook plus-plus that includes a dating app together with a native payment system that has become so popular that small traders and even beggars are starting to refuse cash – while at the same time working to head off competition from less centralised models down the line.

13/12/2018 Hyperledger adds 12 new members

Hyperledger, the open source permissioned blockchain project, has announced 12 new general members including some major banks, consortia and cloud firms. General members have certain marketing and recruitment opportunities as well as bing able to participate in members-only committees.

The latest general members feature a strong showing from China. They are: Alibaba Cloud, BlockDao (Hangzhou) Information Technology, Citi, Deutsche Telekom, Guangzhishu (Beijing) Technology Co. Ltd, Guangzhou Technology Innovation Space Information Technology Co. Ltd, KEB Hana Bank, HealthVerity, MediConCen, Techrock, we.trade and Xooa. These additions bring the total number of general members to 256.

Four new associate members also joined Hyperledger this month: Association of Blockchain Developers of Saint Petersburg, Business School of Hunan University, Sun Yat-sun University and Wall Street Blockchain Alliance.

Associate membership is limited to pre-approved non-profits, open source projects, and government entities. There are now 16 associate members.

The new members were announced at the Hyperledger Global Forum in Basel, Switzerland.

“The growing Hyperledger community reflects the increasing importance of open source efforts to build enterprise blockchain technologies across industries and markets,” said executive director Brian Behlendorf. “The latest members showcase the widening interest in and impact of DLT and Hyperledger.”

A number of blockchain projects are based on Hyperledger; some of them like we.trade and the Walmart food supply chain system are featured elsewhere in this blog.

23/10/2018 Blockchain too immature for government use, finds Australia’s DTA

The Australian government’s Digital Transformation Agency has cast doubts over the validity of blockchains for governmental purposes.

The DTA, which was granted AUS$700,000 to investigate the technology, has concluded after initial research that in almost every case examined existing technologies are more suitable than blockchain.

The agency has been working with a number of government agencies to develop prototypes for the use of blockchain to deliver services, including with the Department of Human Services for welfare payments and cargo settlement.

Peter Alexander, CDO at the DTA said the technology is worth keeping an eye on but as yet is too immature.

“Our position today, and this is an early write-up, is that blockchain is an interesting technology that would be well worth being observed, but without standardisation and a lot more work, for every use of blockchain that you would consider today there is a better technology,” Alexander told a Senate hearing on Tuesday, as reported by InnovationAus.com.

Alexander said that one of the defining features of blockchains, the potential for anonymity, is among the biggest stumbling blocks.

“Generally speaking when the government is engaging with someone, we want to have a trusted relationship with them. We want to know who they are and give them a personalised service,” he said. “Blockchain is good for low-trust engagement, you don’t know who you’re dealing with but have a series of ledgers that can give some validation and support.”

According to Alexander, blockchain is at the “top of the hype cycle”, with demand driven by the industry.

“It would be fair to say that a lot of the big vendors are pushing blockchain very hard and internationally most of the hype around blockchain is coming from vendors and companies, not from governments and users and deliverers of services,” he said.

23/10/2018 China mulls anonymity ban

China is another nation that finds blockchain’s anonymity a problem. Earlier this year Chinese students encoded allegations of sexual harassment against a prominent professor on the Ethereum blockchain to evade the country’s censors, all social media posts on the issue having been blocked. The same technique was used to spread news about low quality and counterfeit vaccines, another scandal the government sought to cover up.

But the Chinese government has drafted a new regulation that would require users to provide their real names and national ID card numbers when registering for a blockchain service, reports The Verge. The policy would also demand that blockchain services remove ‘illegal information’ before it can be spread among users. And under the proposed legislation, service providers would also be required to retain backups of user data for six months and to hand it over to the police on request.

China has been bullish on blockchain for the last few months, with one commentator recently claiming it is worth ten times as much as the internet. The countries tech giants are pouring significant resources into its development citing smoother trade and anti-fraud possibilities. But without the possibility of anonymity, a permanent ledger could also be a powerful tool in the authoritarian regime’s surveillance and control systems.

China also banned cryptocurrency trading earlier this year, although apparently this has been less than effective. The Ethereum Hotel recently opened in the country, accepting payment in cryptocurrencies.

Next page: UK leads in blockchain deployments says Capgemini; Microsoft’s strategy for decentralised identity; Gary Cohn joins fintech startup Spring Labs; Horizen’s privacy platform; Zone and Icons launch ledger to authenticate and track sports memorabilia; Nick Szabo, inventor of the smart contract, on its evolution; Real-world use cases emerging; Blockchain-based driving licence trial rolled out by Australian state

Further reading

Source link https://ift.tt/2UUQGPF

[bobbynolanios88]

Is Facebook working on a cryptocurrency?

Is Facebook working on a cryptocurrency?

There’s a lot going on in the world of decentralised networking and not just the daily rollercoaster ride of the cryptocurrency markets. A decade after the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto first unleashed Bitcoin on an unsuspecting world, the blockchain has grown and branched out and now a thousand flowers blossom, some of them rather peculiar blooms indeed.

Look around and you’ll see that blockchains are apparently the answer to every problem. From replacing the global banking system to guaranteeing the provenance of diamonds to paying your dentist – there’s a blockchain for that.

Overhyped they may be, but blockchains actually are a big deal and they will get bigger. Their potential for secure ‘trustless’ interchange is too great to ignore and once the silliness has died down inevitably some serious use cases will emerge.

Indeed that’s already starting to happen, hence this blog. We’ll be updating this page every few days to reflect the serious innovations bubbling up in this most interesting and volatile of spaces. (Also check out our rolling 5G coverage.)

18/12/2018 Is Facebook working on a cryptocurrency?

Facebook has been quietly assembling a group of experts, academics, cryptographers and engineers with experience in blockchain and cryptocurrencies, according to a report from Cheddar.com.

The group was inaugurated in April this year and reportedly now numbers 30 or 40 individuals. It is headed by David Marcus, vice president of Facebook Messenger and former PayPal president. Many of his recent hires are also ex-employees of PayPal while others have online payments backgrounds from companies like Google and Samsung. Some are former members of cryptocurrency startups – stoking the long-running rumour that Facebook may be developing its own coin.

Facebook has said little about cryptocurrencies, save to ban ads for ICOs a while back, and it remains characteristically  tight-lipped about its plans.

“Like many other companies Facebook is exploring ways to leverage the power of blockchain technology,” a spokesperson said.  “This new small team is exploring many different applications. We don’t have anything further to share.”

It could be that Facebook is looking to emulate China’s WeChat  – a sort of Facebook plus-plus that includes a dating app together with a native payment system that has become so popular that small traders and even beggars are starting to refuse cash – while at the same time working to head off competition from less centralised models down the line.

13/12/2018 Hyperledger adds 12 new members

Hyperledger, the open source permissioned blockchain project, has announced 12 new general members including some major banks, consortia and cloud firms. General members have certain marketing and recruitment opportunities as well as bing able to participate in members-only committees.

The latest general members feature a strong showing from China. They are: Alibaba Cloud, BlockDao (Hangzhou) Information Technology, Citi, Deutsche Telekom, Guangzhishu (Beijing) Technology Co. Ltd, Guangzhou Technology Innovation Space Information Technology Co. Ltd, KEB Hana Bank, HealthVerity, MediConCen, Techrock, we.trade and Xooa. These additions bring the total number of general members to 256.

Four new associate members also joined Hyperledger this month: Association of Blockchain Developers of Saint Petersburg, Business School of Hunan University, Sun Yat-sun University and Wall Street Blockchain Alliance.

Associate membership is limited to pre-approved non-profits, open source projects, and government entities. There are now 16 associate members.

The new members were announced at the Hyperledger Global Forum in Basel, Switzerland.

“The growing Hyperledger community reflects the increasing importance of open source efforts to build enterprise blockchain technologies across industries and markets,” said executive director Brian Behlendorf. “The latest members showcase the widening interest in and impact of DLT and Hyperledger.”

A number of blockchain projects are based on Hyperledger; some of them like we.trade and the Walmart food supply chain system are featured elsewhere in this blog.

23/10/2018 Blockchain too immature for government use, finds Australia’s DTA

The Australian government’s Digital Transformation Agency has cast doubts over the validity of blockchains for governmental purposes.

The DTA, which was granted AUS$700,000 to investigate the technology, has concluded after initial research that in almost every case examined existing technologies are more suitable than blockchain.

The agency has been working with a number of government agencies to develop prototypes for the use of blockchain to deliver services, including with the Department of Human Services for welfare payments and cargo settlement.

Peter Alexander, CDO at the DTA said the technology is worth keeping an eye on but as yet is too immature.

“Our position today, and this is an early write-up, is that blockchain is an interesting technology that would be well worth being observed, but without standardisation and a lot more work, for every use of blockchain that you would consider today there is a better technology,” Alexander told a Senate hearing on Tuesday, as reported by InnovationAus.com.

Alexander said that one of the defining features of blockchains, the potential for anonymity, is among the biggest stumbling blocks.

“Generally speaking when the government is engaging with someone, we want to have a trusted relationship with them. We want to know who they are and give them a personalised service,” he said. “Blockchain is good for low-trust engagement, you don’t know who you’re dealing with but have a series of ledgers that can give some validation and support.”

According to Alexander, blockchain is at the “top of the hype cycle”, with demand driven by the industry.

“It would be fair to say that a lot of the big vendors are pushing blockchain very hard and internationally most of the hype around blockchain is coming from vendors and companies, not from governments and users and deliverers of services,” he said.

23/10/2018 China mulls anonymity ban

China is another nation that finds blockchain’s anonymity a problem. Earlier this year Chinese students encoded allegations of sexual harassment against a prominent professor on the Ethereum blockchain to evade the country’s censors, all social media posts on the issue having been blocked. The same technique was used to spread news about low quality and counterfeit vaccines, another scandal the government sought to cover up.

But the Chinese government has drafted a new regulation that would require users to provide their real names and national ID card numbers when registering for a blockchain service, reports The Verge. The policy would also demand that blockchain services remove ‘illegal information’ before it can be spread among users. And under the proposed legislation, service providers would also be required to retain backups of user data for six months and to hand it over to the police on request.

China has been bullish on blockchain for the last few months, with one commentator recently claiming it is worth ten times as much as the internet. The countries tech giants are pouring significant resources into its development citing smoother trade and anti-fraud possibilities. But without the possibility of anonymity, a permanent ledger could also be a powerful tool in the authoritarian regime’s surveillance and control systems.

China also banned cryptocurrency trading earlier this year, although apparently this has been less than effective. The Ethereum Hotel recently opened in the country, accepting payment in cryptocurrencies.

Next page: UK leads in blockchain deployments says Capgemini; Microsoft’s strategy for decentralised identity; Gary Cohn joins fintech startup Spring Labs; Horizen’s privacy platform; Zone and Icons launch ledger to authenticate and track sports memorabilia; Nick Szabo, inventor of the smart contract, on its evolution; Real-world use cases emerging; Blockchain-based driving licence trial rolled out by Australian state

Further reading

Source link https://ift.tt/2UUQGPF

[courtneyvbrooks87]

Is Facebook working on a cryptocurrency?

Is Facebook working on a cryptocurrency?

There’s a lot going on in the world of decentralised networking and not just the daily rollercoaster ride of the cryptocurrency markets. A decade after the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto first unleashed Bitcoin on an unsuspecting world, the blockchain has grown and branched out and now a thousand flowers blossom, some of them rather peculiar blooms indeed.

Look around and you’ll see that blockchains are apparently the answer to every problem. From replacing the global banking system to guaranteeing the provenance of diamonds to paying your dentist – there’s a blockchain for that.

Overhyped they may be, but blockchains actually are a big deal and they will get bigger. Their potential for secure ‘trustless’ interchange is too great to ignore and once the silliness has died down inevitably some serious use cases will emerge.

Indeed that’s already starting to happen, hence this blog. We’ll be updating this page every few days to reflect the serious innovations bubbling up in this most interesting and volatile of spaces. (Also check out our rolling 5G coverage.)

18/12/2018 Is Facebook working on a cryptocurrency?

Facebook has been quietly assembling a group of experts, academics, cryptographers and engineers with experience in blockchain and cryptocurrencies, according to a report from Cheddar.com.

The group was inaugurated in April this year and reportedly now numbers 30 or 40 individuals. It is headed by David Marcus, vice president of Facebook Messenger and former PayPal president. Many of his recent hires are also ex-employees of PayPal while others have online payments backgrounds from companies like Google and Samsung. Some are former members of cryptocurrency startups – stoking the long-running rumour that Facebook may be developing its own coin.

Facebook has said little about cryptocurrencies, save to ban ads for ICOs a while back, and it remains characteristically  tight-lipped about its plans.

“Like many other companies Facebook is exploring ways to leverage the power of blockchain technology,” a spokesperson said.  “This new small team is exploring many different applications. We don’t have anything further to share.”

It could be that Facebook is looking to emulate China’s WeChat  – a sort of Facebook plus-plus that includes a dating app together with a native payment system that has become so popular that small traders and even beggars are starting to refuse cash – while at the same time working to head off competition from less centralised models down the line.

13/12/2018 Hyperledger adds 12 new members

Hyperledger, the open source permissioned blockchain project, has announced 12 new general members including some major banks, consortia and cloud firms. General members have certain marketing and recruitment opportunities as well as bing able to participate in members-only committees.

The latest general members feature a strong showing from China. They are: Alibaba Cloud, BlockDao (Hangzhou) Information Technology, Citi, Deutsche Telekom, Guangzhishu (Beijing) Technology Co. Ltd, Guangzhou Technology Innovation Space Information Technology Co. Ltd, KEB Hana Bank, HealthVerity, MediConCen, Techrock, we.trade and Xooa. These additions bring the total number of general members to 256.

Four new associate members also joined Hyperledger this month: Association of Blockchain Developers of Saint Petersburg, Business School of Hunan University, Sun Yat-sun University and Wall Street Blockchain Alliance.

Associate membership is limited to pre-approved non-profits, open source projects, and government entities. There are now 16 associate members.

The new members were announced at the Hyperledger Global Forum in Basel, Switzerland.

“The growing Hyperledger community reflects the increasing importance of open source efforts to build enterprise blockchain technologies across industries and markets,” said executive director Brian Behlendorf. “The latest members showcase the widening interest in and impact of DLT and Hyperledger.”

A number of blockchain projects are based on Hyperledger; some of them like we.trade and the Walmart food supply chain system are featured elsewhere in this blog.

23/10/2018 Blockchain too immature for government use, finds Australia’s DTA

The Australian government’s Digital Transformation Agency has cast doubts over the validity of blockchains for governmental purposes.

The DTA, which was granted AUS$700,000 to investigate the technology, has concluded after initial research that in almost every case examined existing technologies are more suitable than blockchain.

The agency has been working with a number of government agencies to develop prototypes for the use of blockchain to deliver services, including with the Department of Human Services for welfare payments and cargo settlement.

Peter Alexander, CDO at the DTA said the technology is worth keeping an eye on but as yet is too immature.

“Our position today, and this is an early write-up, is that blockchain is an interesting technology that would be well worth being observed, but without standardisation and a lot more work, for every use of blockchain that you would consider today there is a better technology,” Alexander told a Senate hearing on Tuesday, as reported by InnovationAus.com.

Alexander said that one of the defining features of blockchains, the potential for anonymity, is among the biggest stumbling blocks.

“Generally speaking when the government is engaging with someone, we want to have a trusted relationship with them. We want to know who they are and give them a personalised service,” he said. “Blockchain is good for low-trust engagement, you don’t know who you’re dealing with but have a series of ledgers that can give some validation and support.”

According to Alexander, blockchain is at the “top of the hype cycle”, with demand driven by the industry.

“It would be fair to say that a lot of the big vendors are pushing blockchain very hard and internationally most of the hype around blockchain is coming from vendors and companies, not from governments and users and deliverers of services,” he said.

23/10/2018 China mulls anonymity ban

China is another nation that finds blockchain’s anonymity a problem. Earlier this year Chinese students encoded allegations of sexual harassment against a prominent professor on the Ethereum blockchain to evade the country’s censors, all social media posts on the issue having been blocked. The same technique was used to spread news about low quality and counterfeit vaccines, another scandal the government sought to cover up.

But the Chinese government has drafted a new regulation that would require users to provide their real names and national ID card numbers when registering for a blockchain service, reports The Verge. The policy would also demand that blockchain services remove ‘illegal information’ before it can be spread among users. And under the proposed legislation, service providers would also be required to retain backups of user data for six months and to hand it over to the police on request.

China has been bullish on blockchain for the last few months, with one commentator recently claiming it is worth ten times as much as the internet. The countries tech giants are pouring significant resources into its development citing smoother trade and anti-fraud possibilities. But without the possibility of anonymity, a permanent ledger could also be a powerful tool in the authoritarian regime’s surveillance and control systems.

China also banned cryptocurrency trading earlier this year, although apparently this has been less than effective. The Ethereum Hotel recently opened in the country, accepting payment in cryptocurrencies.

Next page: UK leads in blockchain deployments says Capgemini; Microsoft’s strategy for decentralised identity; Gary Cohn joins fintech startup Spring Labs; Horizen’s privacy platform; Zone and Icons launch ledger to authenticate and track sports memorabilia; Nick Szabo, inventor of the smart contract, on its evolution; Real-world use cases emerging; Blockchain-based driving licence trial rolled out by Australian state

Further reading

Source link https://ift.tt/2UUQGPF

[mccartneynathxzw83]

Is Facebook working on a cryptocurrency?

Is Facebook working on a cryptocurrency?

There’s a lot going on in the world of decentralised networking and not just the daily rollercoaster ride of the cryptocurrency markets. A decade after the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto first unleashed Bitcoin on an unsuspecting world, the blockchain has grown and branched out and now a thousand flowers blossom, some of them rather peculiar blooms indeed.

Look around and you’ll see that blockchains are apparently the answer to every problem. From replacing the global banking system to guaranteeing the provenance of diamonds to paying your dentist – there’s a blockchain for that.

Overhyped they may be, but blockchains actually are a big deal and they will get bigger. Their potential for secure ‘trustless’ interchange is too great to ignore and once the silliness has died down inevitably some serious use cases will emerge.

Indeed that’s already starting to happen, hence this blog. We’ll be updating this page every few days to reflect the serious innovations bubbling up in this most interesting and volatile of spaces. (Also check out our rolling 5G coverage.)

18/12/2018 Is Facebook working on a cryptocurrency?

Facebook has been quietly assembling a group of experts, academics, cryptographers and engineers with experience in blockchain and cryptocurrencies, according to a report from Cheddar.com.

The group was inaugurated in April this year and reportedly now numbers 30 or 40 individuals. It is headed by David Marcus, vice president of Facebook Messenger and former PayPal president. Many of his recent hires are also ex-employees of PayPal while others have online payments backgrounds from companies like Google and Samsung. Some are former members of cryptocurrency startups – stoking the long-running rumour that Facebook may be developing its own coin.

Facebook has said little about cryptocurrencies, save to ban ads for ICOs a while back, and it remains characteristically  tight-lipped about its plans.

“Like many other companies Facebook is exploring ways to leverage the power of blockchain technology,” a spokesperson said.  “This new small team is exploring many different applications. We don’t have anything further to share.”

It could be that Facebook is looking to emulate China’s WeChat  – a sort of Facebook plus-plus that includes a dating app together with a native payment system that has become so popular that small traders and even beggars are starting to refuse cash – while at the same time working to head off competition from less centralised models down the line.

13/12/2018 Hyperledger adds 12 new members

Hyperledger, the open source permissioned blockchain project, has announced 12 new general members including some major banks, consortia and cloud firms. General members have certain marketing and recruitment opportunities as well as bing able to participate in members-only committees.

The latest general members feature a strong showing from China. They are: Alibaba Cloud, BlockDao (Hangzhou) Information Technology, Citi, Deutsche Telekom, Guangzhishu (Beijing) Technology Co. Ltd, Guangzhou Technology Innovation Space Information Technology Co. Ltd, KEB Hana Bank, HealthVerity, MediConCen, Techrock, we.trade and Xooa. These additions bring the total number of general members to 256.

Four new associate members also joined Hyperledger this month: Association of Blockchain Developers of Saint Petersburg, Business School of Hunan University, Sun Yat-sun University and Wall Street Blockchain Alliance.

Associate membership is limited to pre-approved non-profits, open source projects, and government entities. There are now 16 associate members.

The new members were announced at the Hyperledger Global Forum in Basel, Switzerland.

“The growing Hyperledger community reflects the increasing importance of open source efforts to build enterprise blockchain technologies across industries and markets,” said executive director Brian Behlendorf. “The latest members showcase the widening interest in and impact of DLT and Hyperledger.”

A number of blockchain projects are based on Hyperledger; some of them like we.trade and the Walmart food supply chain system are featured elsewhere in this blog.

23/10/2018 Blockchain too immature for government use, finds Australia’s DTA

The Australian government’s Digital Transformation Agency has cast doubts over the validity of blockchains for governmental purposes.

The DTA, which was granted AUS$700,000 to investigate the technology, has concluded after initial research that in almost every case examined existing technologies are more suitable than blockchain.

The agency has been working with a number of government agencies to develop prototypes for the use of blockchain to deliver services, including with the Department of Human Services for welfare payments and cargo settlement.

Peter Alexander, CDO at the DTA said the technology is worth keeping an eye on but as yet is too immature.

“Our position today, and this is an early write-up, is that blockchain is an interesting technology that would be well worth being observed, but without standardisation and a lot more work, for every use of blockchain that you would consider today there is a better technology,” Alexander told a Senate hearing on Tuesday, as reported by InnovationAus.com.

Alexander said that one of the defining features of blockchains, the potential for anonymity, is among the biggest stumbling blocks.

“Generally speaking when the government is engaging with someone, we want to have a trusted relationship with them. We want to know who they are and give them a personalised service,” he said. “Blockchain is good for low-trust engagement, you don’t know who you’re dealing with but have a series of ledgers that can give some validation and support.”

According to Alexander, blockchain is at the “top of the hype cycle”, with demand driven by the industry.

“It would be fair to say that a lot of the big vendors are pushing blockchain very hard and internationally most of the hype around blockchain is coming from vendors and companies, not from governments and users and deliverers of services,” he said.

23/10/2018 China mulls anonymity ban

China is another nation that finds blockchain’s anonymity a problem. Earlier this year Chinese students encoded allegations of sexual harassment against a prominent professor on the Ethereum blockchain to evade the country’s censors, all social media posts on the issue having been blocked. The same technique was used to spread news about low quality and counterfeit vaccines, another scandal the government sought to cover up.

But the Chinese government has drafted a new regulation that would require users to provide their real names and national ID card numbers when registering for a blockchain service, reports The Verge. The policy would also demand that blockchain services remove ‘illegal information’ before it can be spread among users. And under the proposed legislation, service providers would also be required to retain backups of user data for six months and to hand it over to the police on request.

China has been bullish on blockchain for the last few months, with one commentator recently claiming it is worth ten times as much as the internet. The countries tech giants are pouring significant resources into its development citing smoother trade and anti-fraud possibilities. But without the possibility of anonymity, a permanent ledger could also be a powerful tool in the authoritarian regime’s surveillance and control systems.

China also banned cryptocurrency trading earlier this year, although apparently this has been less than effective. The Ethereum Hotel recently opened in the country, accepting payment in cryptocurrencies.

Next page: UK leads in blockchain deployments says Capgemini; Microsoft’s strategy for decentralised identity; Gary Cohn joins fintech startup Spring Labs; Horizen’s privacy platform; Zone and Icons launch ledger to authenticate and track sports memorabilia; Nick Szabo, inventor of the smart contract, on its evolution; Real-world use cases emerging; Blockchain-based driving licence trial rolled out by Australian state

Further reading

Source link https://ift.tt/2UUQGPF

[best-testing-lab-uae]

The Impact of KEBS Approved Labs on the Construction Industry in Dubai | +971 554747210

In Dubai's booming construction sector, the need for quality assurance and compliance with safety standards is paramount. As the city continues to expand with iconic structures and ambitious projects, the role of KEBS (Kenya Bureau of Standards) approved labs becomes increasingly significant. This blog explores the impact of KEBS approved labs on the construction industry in Dubai, highlighting their importance in ensuring quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Understanding KEBS Approval

KEBS is the national standards body of Kenya, tasked with developing and enforcing standards across various sectors, including construction. A KEBS approved lab adheres to stringent guidelines that guarantee the quality and reliability of testing services. This approval signifies that the lab meets international standards, making it a credible choice for construction companies seeking quality assurance.

Importance of KEBS Approved Labs in Construction

1. Ensuring Material Quality

One of the primary functions of KEBS approved labs is to test construction materials, such as concrete, steel, aggregates, and soil. By conducting thorough testing and analysis, these labs help ensure that the materials used in construction projects meet the required standards for durability and safety. This is crucial in a region like Dubai, where extreme temperatures and environmental conditions can significantly impact construction materials.

2. Compliance with Local Regulations

The construction industry in Dubai is governed by strict regulations set forth by local authorities. KEBS approved labs play a vital role in ensuring compliance with these regulations. By obtaining testing and certification from a KEBS approved lab, construction companies can demonstrate that they are adhering to the necessary standards. This compliance is essential for obtaining permits and approvals for construction projects.

3. Mitigating Risks

The construction industry inherently involves risks, from project delays to safety hazards. Engaging a KEBS approved lab helps mitigate these risks by providing accurate and reliable testing services. For example, testing the compressive strength of concrete ensures that it meets the required standards, reducing the likelihood of structural failures. By identifying potential issues early, construction companies can take proactive measures to address them.

4. Enhancing Project Efficiency

The involvement of KEBS approved labs in the construction process can lead to enhanced project efficiency. By ensuring that materials meet quality standards and that regulatory requirements are fulfilled, these labs help streamline the construction process. This can result in reduced delays and lower costs, ultimately contributing to the successful completion of projects on time and within budget.

5. Supporting Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is a growing concern in the construction industry, and KEBS approved labs are increasingly playing a role in promoting environmentally friendly practices. These labs often conduct tests to assess the sustainability of construction materials, helping companies select options that minimize environmental impact. For instance, they may evaluate recycled materials or eco-friendly alternatives, allowing construction firms to align with sustainable development goals.

Benefits of Collaborating with KEBS Approved Labs

1. Increased Credibility

Working with a KEBS approved lab enhances the credibility of construction companies. Clients and stakeholders are more likely to trust firms that prioritize quality and compliance. This credibility can lead to increased business opportunities and a stronger reputation within the industry.

2. Access to Expertise

KEBS approved labs are staffed by qualified professionals with expertise in various aspects of construction testing. By collaborating with these labs, construction companies gain access to valuable knowledge and insights that can improve project outcomes. This expertise can be particularly beneficial for addressing complex challenges in construction projects.

3. Competitive Advantage

In a competitive market like Dubai's construction industry, differentiating oneself from competitors is crucial. KEBS approval provides a unique selling point, signaling to potential clients that the company is committed to quality and compliance. This competitive advantage can be instrumental in winning contracts and securing new projects.

4. Reduced Liability

Engaging a KEBS approved lab helps construction companies minimize liability risks. By ensuring that materials and practices meet established standards, companies can reduce the likelihood of accidents and legal disputes arising from safety violations. This proactive approach to risk management is essential for maintaining a positive reputation in the industry.

5. Streamlined Certification Process

When construction companies work with KEBS approved labs, they benefit from a streamlined certification process. The labs are familiar with local regulations and can assist companies in navigating the complexities of obtaining the necessary approvals. This support can save time and effort, allowing construction firms to focus on their core operations.

Case Studies: Success Stories of KEBS Approved Labs in Dubai

1. The Burj Khalifa Project

The Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, stands as a testament to Dubai's architectural ambition. Throughout its construction, KEBS approved labs played a crucial role in testing materials and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Their rigorous testing protocols contributed to the project's success, showcasing the importance of quality assurance in high-profile developments.

2. Sustainable Community Developments

In recent years, Dubai has placed a strong emphasis on sustainability in construction. KEBS approved labs have collaborated with developers to assess the environmental impact of construction materials. By providing testing services that evaluate sustainability, these labs have supported the creation of eco-friendly communities, aligning with Dubai's vision for a greener future.

Conclusion

The impact of KEBS approved labs on the construction industry in Dubai cannot be overstated. From ensuring material quality and regulatory compliance to promoting sustainable practices, these labs play a vital role in the success of construction projects. By collaborating with KEBS approved labs, construction companies can enhance their credibility, mitigate risks, and gain a competitive advantage in the dynamic Dubai market. As the city continues to evolve and expand, the importance of quality assurance and compliance will only grow, making KEBS approved labs indispensable partners in the construction industry.

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How KEBS Approved Labs Enhance Quality Assurance in the UAE’s Manufacturing Sector | +971 554747210

In the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing in the UAE, maintaining high-quality standards is not just a regulatory requirement but a critical component of business success. As manufacturers strive to meet both local and international quality standards, KEBS (Kenya Bureau of Standards) approved labs play a pivotal role in enhancing quality assurance across various industries. This blog delves into how KEBS approved lab contribute to quality assurance in the UAE's manufacturing sector, ensuring products meet safety and quality benchmarks.

Understanding KEBS Approved Labs

KEBS approved labs are accredited facilities recognized for their competence in testing, inspection, and certification services. They adhere to strict quality management systems and regulatory standards established by the Kenya Bureau of Standards, providing reliable and accurate testing services for manufacturers. In the UAE, these labs are essential for businesses aiming to ensure that their products comply with both local regulations and international standards.

1. Ensuring Compliance with Regulatory Standards

One of the primary roles of KEBS approved labs in the manufacturing sector is to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. The UAE has stringent regulations governing product quality across various industries, including food and beverage, construction, textiles, and electronics.

Regulatory Compliance

Local and International Standards: KEBS approved labs are well-versed in the local regulations set by authorities like the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) and international standards such as ISO, ASTM, and EN. By conducting thorough testing, these labs help manufacturers ensure their products meet all applicable standards, minimizing the risk of non-compliance.

Documentation and Certification: Upon successful testing, KEBS approved labs issue the necessary certificates and documentation that manufacturers can present to regulatory bodies. This not only streamlines the compliance process but also builds credibility with consumers and business partners.

2. Enhancing Product Quality and Safety

The quality of products is critical for manufacturers aiming to build a strong reputation in the marketplace. KEBS approved labs enhance product quality and safety through rigorous testing processes that identify potential issues before products reach consumers.

Quality Assurance

Comprehensive Testing Services: KEBS approved labs offer a wide range of testing services, including chemical analysis, microbiological testing, and mechanical testing. These services ensure that every aspect of a product is examined, from its composition to its physical properties, thereby reducing the likelihood of defects.

Preventing Contamination and Defects: Regular testing helps identify harmful contaminants, allergens, and other issues that may compromise product safety. By proactively addressing these concerns, manufacturers can prevent costly recalls and protect their brand reputation.

3. Streamlining the Manufacturing Process

Efficient manufacturing processes are essential for productivity and profitability. KEBS approved labs contribute to streamlining these processes by providing timely and accurate testing results.

Efficient Testing Procedures

Quick Turnaround Times: Many KEBS approved labs utilize advanced technologies that facilitate rapid testing without sacrificing accuracy. This allows manufacturers to receive timely results, enabling quicker decision-making and reducing downtime in production.

Support for Quality Control: By incorporating regular testing into their quality control processes, manufacturers can identify and rectify issues early in production. This not only improves overall efficiency but also ensures that final products meet high-quality standards.

4. Building Consumer Trust and Brand Reputation

In today’s market, consumers are increasingly aware of product quality and safety. KEBS approved labs help manufacturers build consumer trust and enhance their brand reputation through transparent testing processes.

Transparency and Accountability

Publicly Available Test Results: Many KEBS approved labs provide publicly accessible test results, allowing consumers to verify the safety and quality of products. This transparency fosters trust between manufacturers and their customers.

Certification Marks: Products tested and certified by KEBS approved labs often carry certification marks that signal compliance with quality standards. Displaying these marks on packaging can enhance a brand’s credibility and attract quality-conscious consumers.

5. Facilitating Market Access and Export Opportunities

For manufacturers in the UAE, expanding into international markets can be a significant growth opportunity. KEBS approved labs assist businesses in navigating the complexities of export requirements.

Support for Export Compliance

International Certification: KEBS approved labs provide testing and certification services that comply with international regulations. This is particularly valuable for manufacturers looking to export their products to markets with stringent quality standards.

Market Entry Support: By ensuring compliance with global standards, KEBS approved labs help manufacturers overcome barriers to entry in foreign markets, ultimately facilitating business growth and expansion.

6. Promoting Sustainable Practices

As the world increasingly emphasizes sustainability, KEBS approved labs play a role in promoting environmentally friendly practices within the manufacturing sector.

Environmental Testing

Sustainability Assessments: Many KEBS approved labs offer environmental testing services that assess the impact of manufacturing processes and products on the environment. This helps manufacturers identify areas for improvement and align their operations with sustainability goals.

Eco-Friendly Certifications: By obtaining eco-friendly certifications through KEBS approved labs, manufacturers can position themselves as responsible and sustainable brands, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

7. Expertise and Consultation Services

Navigating the complexities of product testing and quality assurance can be challenging for manufacturers. KEBS approved labs provide valuable expertise and consultation services to guide businesses through the process.

Expert Guidance

Understanding Standards and Regulations: KEBS approved labs offer insights into the relevant standards and regulations that apply to specific products. This guidance helps manufacturers navigate the compliance landscape more effectively.

Tailored Testing Solutions: Labs work closely with manufacturers to develop customized testing solutions that meet their specific needs. This personalized approach ensures that testing processes are efficient and aligned with business goals.

Conclusion

In the competitive landscape of the UAE’s manufacturing sector, quality assurance is paramount. KEBS approved labs play a critical role in enhancing quality assurance through rigorous testing, compliance support, and expert guidance. By ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, improving product quality and safety, and facilitating market access, these labs provide invaluable support to manufacturers aiming for success.

As manufacturers increasingly recognize the importance of quality assurance, partnering with KEBS approved labs has become a strategic imperative. By leveraging the expertise and resources offered by these labs, manufacturers can build consumer trust, enhance brand reputation, and position themselves for growth in both local and international markets.

Ultimately, the role of KEBS approved labs in enhancing quality assurance in the UAE’s manufacturing sector cannot be overstated. They are not just testing facilities; they are essential partners in the journey toward excellence and sustainability in manufacturing.