The prediction, in brief:

Most people would probably keep backup copies of their keys, electronic bank notes and other data; they could recover their funds if a representative were lost or stolen. Using a representative, however, would establish relationships with different organizations under different digital pseudonyms. Each of them can recognize him unambiguously, but none of their records can be linked.

Predictor: Chaum, David

Prediction, in context:

In a 1992 article he wrote for Scientific American, e-cash entrepreneur David Chaum writes:”When asked to make a payment, the representative would present a summary of the particulars and await approval before releasing funds. It would also insist on electronic receipts from organizations at each stage of all transactions to substantiate its owner’s position in case of dispute. By requiring a password akin to the PIN (personal identifying number) now used for bank cards, the representative could safeguard itself from abuse by thieves. Indeed, most people would probably keep backup copies of their keys, electronic bank notes and other data; they could recover their funds if a representative were lost or stolen. Using a representative, however, would establish relationships with different organizations under different digital pseudonyms. Each of them can recognize him unambiguously, but none of their records can be linked.”

Biography:

David Chaum was the founder of DigiCash in the early 1990s. He was the inventor of cryptographic protocols that allowed him to create a company whose mission was to change the world through the introduction of anonymous digital money technology. (Technology Developer/Administrator.)

Date of prediction: August 1, 1992

Topic of prediction: Economic structures

Subtopic: E-cash

Name of publication: Scientific American

Title, headline, chapter name: Achieving Electronic Privacy

Quote Type: Direct quote

Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://ntrg.cs.tcd.ie/mepeirce/Project/Chaum/sciam.html

This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Canizaro, Lauren