Chinese courts explore blockchain application

A judicial blockchain alliance between Chinese courts and other sectors is expected to be built by 2025, according to a guideline from China's top court.

The alliance will promote deep integration of rule of law and technology as well as better serve economic and social governance, according to the 32-article guideline issued by the Supreme People's Court on Wednesday.

It orders all courts to increase their application of technology, calling for them to enhance judicial credibility, efficiency and collaboration.

Under the legal document, an internet-based judicial blockchain verification platform is planned to be established, while judicial data, such as electronic case files, electronic archives and judicial statistical reports, are also required to be stored on the blockchain.

It stipulates courts should strengthen blockchain collaboration and application with procuratorates, public security authorities and administrative organs so as to improve the efficiency of online case circulation and data mutual trust.

Additionally, it suggests courts build a collaborative mechanism with blockchain platforms for other sectors, including those on intellectual property, market regulation, financial institutions, online data trading and government departments, to support development in the industries.

In recent years, Chinese courts have made effort to apply blockchain technology to the judicial field. For example, more than 2.2 billion pieces of evidence have been stored on the judicial blockchain.