DataTrails patents blockchain pathfinder technology
It says the patented DLT tech enables modification of data blocks without compromising transparency or integrity – eliminating a major limitation in blockchain technology and paving the way to new applications.
Formerly known as RKVST, DataTrails says gaining the patent for this innovative DLT improvement represents further proof of its thought and technology leadership in the transparency technology arena.
The innovation resolves a long-standing problem with existing DLT and blockchain technology that has held back its adoption in enterprises – how to reconcile the need for immutability with the practical requirements of data privacy and regulations.
While traditional blockchain systems provide little to no flexibility when changes are needed, the breakthrough enables modifications such as GDPR redactions while also ensuring the rest of the data remains trustworthy, transparent and secure.
“This new patented technology is a testament to our commitment to solving real-world challenges with DLT technology,” said Rusty Cumpston, CEO of DataTrails which has its feet in both Cambridge and Santa Clara.
“The ability to make secure modifications represents a significant advantage over current blockchain technology, expanding its utility, enabling industries to address real-world challenges while retaining the technology’s unique benefits. Being able to modify data blocks without compromising long term integrity is a critical step forward for industries that demand both data reliability and adaptability.”
Blockchain technology has long been lauded for its immutability, a feature that ensures transparency, trust and security. However, this immutability also poses a problem in real-world scenarios where updates to the data is required.
Industries that must adhere to stringent regulations, such as GDPR in Europe, the CCPA in California and other evolving regulatory requirements, struggle with blockchain’s rigidity when modifications are necessary to address privacy concerns, correct errors or comply with legal mandates.
DataTrails says its new system resolves this by allowing controlled and auditable modifications to blockchain data while preserving its foundational principles.
Jon Geater, patent co-author and DataTrails’ Chief Product Officer, explained the significance of this breakthrough. “This system provides a framework for DLT-based systems to evolve beyond their original constraints.
“It ensures modifications can only be made within the same secure and distributed system, preserving trust and transparency while enabling flexibility.
“By clearly marking changes and maintaining an audit trail, we’ve created a solution that upholds our core values of transparency and security, while also allowing for necessary data management.”
The new system employs a unique process that allows modifications to blockchain data to be securely validated and logged. Instead of overwriting or deleting data, modifications are recorded as new entries, linked to the original data for traceability.
Each modification undergoes the same consensus mechanism as any other transaction on the blockchain, ensuring it is both authorised and transparent. This design avoids the need for disruptive solutions like forks, or earlier privacy innovations that hide the fact that data was changed.
The innovation enables organisations that rely on immutable data, such as high tech automotive, AI call centres, supply chain operators and financial services, to correct errors without disrupting their essential audit trails.