Tokenization: Converting data into blockchain-protected assets

Understanding the Basics of Coding and Its Modern Applications

Tokenization represents one of the core technologies in the Web3 ecosystem, where sensitive information such as payment details or health data is converted into unique digital units that can be securely handled on blockchain networks without revealing the original data.

When a sensitive statement is encoded - like a credit card number for example - this information is converted into a unique series of random numbers that can be used to verify transactions and various operations. The key difference here is that the original data remains protected in a secure planning system while only the tokens are handled, significantly reducing the risks of breaches and identity theft.

Tokens: Units of Value on the Blockchain

Tokens are digital units that exist as entries in the ledger on various blockchain networks such as Ethereum and BNB. They are issued according to standardized protocols such as ERC-20, ERC-721, ERC-1155, and BEP-20, and come in multiple forms depending on the intended use.

Tokens differ from native cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum in that they are issued on an existing blockchain network rather than being native to that network itself. They can be interchangeable with other tokens or even with physical assets like gold and real estate, which is known as tokenization of real assets.

Practical Applications: From Social Media to Data Management

personal data encoding through social media platforms

Social media platforms collect massive amounts of user data daily to target advertisements and personalize content. By using encryption, users can protect their personal data and have full control over it.

When a user moves from one platform to another, instead of creating a new account from scratch and losing all records and content, they can link their encrypted digital identity to the new platform. The personal record, content, and assets are automatically transferred, ensuring that none of the tokens, NFTs, or previous transactions are lost. This gives users true independence in choosing platforms without being tied to a single one.

control of the social chart

Users can set custom rules for their files - such as allowing only verified accounts to view their content or setting a minimum token threshold for interaction. This provides protection against bots and fake accounts while maintaining healthy interaction.

Advantages of Tokenization: Security, Compliance, and Efficiency

Enhancing Digital Security: By separating sensitive data from tokens, the risk of breaches is drastically reduced. Even if the tokens are stolen, the original data remains protected in the secure encryption system.

Compliance with Regulations: Many sectors - particularly financial and health - are subject to strict regulations regarding data protection. Coding helps organizations meet these requirements efficiently, as encoded data is considered non-sensitive, which reduces the complexity of audit processes.

Secure Sharing: Organizations can share data with different departments or external partners without disclosing sensitive information, only sharing tokens.

Challenges and Limitations

Data quality is affected

Encoding may result in the loss or distortion of some information. For example, if a user's geographic location is encoded, they may not receive relevant content that relies on precise location.

compatibility and integration issues

When different systems use incompatible encoding standards, you may encounter integration difficulties. For example, email encoding may prevent notifications from other services from reaching you, or phone number encoding may disrupt the ability to receive calls and messages.

legal and ethical questions

Encoding raises questions about data ownership and control and how it is used. Encoding personal data may affect user consent regarding the collection of their data and may raise issues related to freedom of expression and intellectual property rights.

Data recovery in case of failure ###

When the encoding system fails, retrieving both the encoded data and the original data can become complicated and often requires complex resources and procedures.

The difference between encoding and encryption

Some people confuse the two terms despite their fundamental differences. Encryption is a mathematical process that transforms plaintext data into unreadable text that can only be decrypted with a secret key, and it is used to protect communications, digital signatures, and regulatory compliance.

Encoding is the replacement of sensitive data with unique non-sensitive codes that do not rely on secret keys. The fundamental difference: encryption relies on keys for decryption, while encoding uses lookup tables to link codes with the original data.

Summary and Future Outlook

Tokenization has proven effective across multiple sectors - from healthcare and finance to social media and journalism. With the increasing need for data security and regulatory compliance, tokenization is expected to spread more widely.

However, a successful application requires careful study and cautious implementation. Coding must be done in a way that respects users' rights and expectations, while ensuring full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

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This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.
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