13 October 2017 (Waterloo) — The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) is collaborating with ETHWaterloo to host an Ethereum based hackathon taking place October 13-15 in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Over 400 selected software developers along with numerous sponsors and cryptocurrency pioneers will be taking part in this event that is slated to be the world’s largest Ethereum hackathon to date.
The hackathon will be focused on building decentralized applications that use the open-source Ethereum platform—a blockchain infrastructure with the potential to change the landscape of the Internet. It facilitates secure, peer-to-peer data transfer without the involvement of a trusted third-party like a bank or cloud computing software. Applications run exactly as programmed without any chance of fraud, censorship or third-party interference.
Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin, a former University of Waterloo student, will deliver a keynote speech about the thriving Ethereum developer ecosystem and the future of the technology. CIGI Senior Fellow Julie Maupin, an expert on cryptocurrency law and international trade, will also be delivering a presentation on the legal and regulatory implications of blockchain technology.
CIGI’s research on blockchain technology is focused on the relationship between regulators and developers in the industry. ”Governments need to innovate in order to understand the technology and figure out what their policies should be for financial market regulations, taxation, consumer protection and data privacy,” said Maupin. She went on to say, “The technology community that is pushing the envelope on this also needs to understand what governance they need in order to successfully innovate and bring the technology forward.”
It is essential that governments work closely with developers to stay ahead of the rapidly changing technology landscape so regulators do not have to play catch-up as the applications become powerful and ubiquitous.
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Media contact:
Kristy Smith
CIGI Communications Advisor
[email protected]
+1 519 580 5566
About CIGI
The Centre for International Governance Innovation is an independent, non-partisan think tank with an objective and uniquely global perspective. Our research, opinions and public voice make a difference in today’s world by bringing clarity and innovative thinking to global policy making. By working across disciplines and in partnership with the best peers and experts, we are the benchmark for influential research and trusted analysis. For more information: www.cigionline.org.