The Cambridge Handbook of Smart Contracts, Blockchain Technology and Digital Platforms

This book comprises the collected, revised and expanded papers from a conference on the impact of technology (smart contracts and blockchain technology) on contract law, held at the Lyon Catholic University in April 2018. The topics selected for the conference, and hence for the chapters of this book range across the areas of smart contracts and electronic or digital platforms, in order to illuminate the impact of new, often disruptive technologies on contract law. Alternatively, it addresses the issue of whether blockchain technology allows private parties to escape contract law, government regulation and the court system. The overwhelming conclusion of the contributing authors is in the negative. The second-order issue addressed in the book if applicable is: Does contract law need to be adjusted to address the contract law topics presented by this unique form of contracting? Furthermore, should governments intervene through new regulations targeted at smart contracts, blockchain technology and online platforms? Again, the consensus opinion is that contract law’s flexibility will allow it to be applied to these types of technology or doing business without the need for substantial adjustments in the law. In the area of government intervention, the consensus sees little need to hastily rush to regulate smart contracts and blockchains since this relatively new technology is still in its infancy. However, targeted regulation of online platforms is needed for purposes of addressing data protection, privacy concerns and property rights.