Decentralised Autonomous Organisations

• 28 Nov 2023

For Prelims: Decentralised Autonomous Organisations, Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain technology, Democratic, and self-executing systems, Intellectual Property.

For Mains: Decentralised Autonomous Organisations, Achievements of Indians in science & technology.

Source: TH

Why in News?

Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs) represent a groundbreaking innovation at the intersection of Blockchain Technology and governance.

What are Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs)?

• About:
  • DAOs are the digital entities that operate without centralised control and are governed by smart contracts and the consensus of their members, often utilising Cryptocurrencies as a means of decision-making and resource allocation.
  • DAOs have garnered attention for their potential to change various industries, including finance, art, and governance, by fostering transparent, democratic, and self-executing systems.
  • These entities are not only reshaping traditional business structures but also challenging the way we perceive trust, governance, and collaboration in the digital world.
  • The idea behind DAOs is to create self-sustaining, community-driven entities governed by smart contracts on blockchain networks.
• Various Use Cases:
  • Global Financial Ecosystem: In the realm of decentralized finance, platforms like Compound and Maker DAOs have introduced lending and borrowing services, enabling users to participate in the global financial ecosystem without relying on traditional banks.
  • In the Art World: In the art world, artists are tokenising their creations and utilising DAOs to manage royalties and maintain control over their intellectual property.
  • Supply Chain Management: Supply chain management is another arena where DAOs are gaining traction, as they offer transparency and traceability in global supply chains, ensuring the authenticity and quality of products.
  • Governance of Online Communities: Even in the governance of online communities, DAOs have emerged as tools for decision-making, with platforms like DAOstack facilitating decentralised governance structures for internet communities.
• Significance:
  • Decentralization and Democratic Governance: DAOs embody decentralization, shifting power away from central authorities.
    • They promote democratic decision-making, allowing token holders to propose and vote on decisions. This equitable distribution of influence ensures a more inclusive and fair governance structure.
  • Transparency and Trust: Smart contracts underpinning DAOs ensure transparency and immutability. This fosters trust among participants by offering a clear view of operations and reducing the opacity often associated with centralized organizations.
    • However, vulnerabilities in these smart contracts can raise security concerns.
  • Inclusivity and Global Collaboration: One of the most significant advantages of DAOs is their ability to transcend geographical and socio-economic barriers.
    • They enable global participation, fostering diversity and innovation by allowing individuals from various backgrounds to collaborate and contribute.
  • Facilitating New Forms of Collaboration: DAOs facilitate direct cooperation among participants with shared objectives, eliminating the need for intermediaries.
    • This environment encourages innovation, cooperation, and the free flow of ideas, unrestricted by hierarchical structures.

What are the Challenges Related to DAOs?

• Security Vulnerabilities:
  • Vulnerabilities in smart contracts have led to notorious incidents like the DAO hack in 2016, raising questions about the security and immutability of blockchain systems.
  • These incidents highlight the need for rigorous security audits and ongoing improvements in code reliability.
• Legal and Regulatory Uncertainty:
  • The decentralized nature of DAOs poses challenges in legal classification, taxation, liability assignment, and compliance with regulations across various jurisdictions.
  • Questions regarding governance, Intellectual Property, and cross-border operations remain largely unanswered, requiring regulatory adaptation.
• Governance and Dispute Resolution:
  • Decentralized decision-making makes it challenging to resolve disputes and assign responsibilities within DAOs.
  • The automated nature of smart contracts raises questions about accountability and handling conflicts without traditional legal mechanisms.

Way Forward

• Despite the challenges, DAOs continue to evolve and offer transformative potential across diverse industries. Ongoing discussions and adaptations are crucial for maximizing their benefits while mitigating risks, ensuring a future where decentralized innovation aligns with legal compliance.
• DAOs represent a paradigm shift in organizational structures, offering a glimpse into a future where decentralized, transparent, and democratic systems play a pivotal role in shaping various sectors.