Records Management and Long-Term Preservation of Evidence in DLT

Abstract

DLT improves decentralized business models and transactions from supply chain or cryptocurrencies to shared mobility, electronic registries or proof of origin. The planned enhancement of European Blockchain Service Infrastructure approximately 2021-2022 is expected to accelerate these developments based on a scalable, standardized framework. Like any infrastructure or IT-system used for business relevant transactions also in DLT is has to be possible to make decisions and processes evident against 3rd parties such as courts, auditors or regulative authorities. This leads to the challenge to fulfil requirements on a valid records management acc. to current standards [IS20b] [IS16] as well as to preserve the evidences of electronic records as long as they are needed according to current regulations and standards [eIDAS] [ETS19b] [VDG]. Based on international standardization the authors are taking part in, this paper focuses on the challenges and requirements for records management and preservation of evidence in DLT as well as possible solutions and needs for further standardization.