IBM Files Patent Application for Blockchain-Based Web Browser

IBM, an American multinational information technology (IT) company, has recently filed a Patent Application for a blockchain-based internet browser. Published on 6th August 2019 by the U.S Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), IBM’s new patent is for an internet browser backed by a peer-to-peer network.

As of now, IBM is spearheading enterprise-level blockchain solutions including supply chain management, blockchain as a service, and Oracle, a program using third party information to execute smart contracts. IBM has stated that tokens will confirm the actions or activities in a client’s browser session as they are encased into blocks for the Peer-to-Peer network.

The patent registered by the tech giant further explains that a browser refers to a system, wherein the client’s information and details are transmitted to a global network of nodes for processing and storage. Additionally, the users would have authority over this information in contrast to the present-day model in which the database of the browser stores this information. Different types of possibly storable session data include task execution, bookmarks, security-patches, plug-in installation, what sites the user visits, and geo-location. As per the patent, the program gathers pre-determined information from the web browsing sessions. This information then moves to the framework of peer-to-peer nodes for storage. However, the information gathered relies upon the type of browsing experience picked.  The report also includes a potential use-case amongst others, which is an attack on a computer’s browser. If secured by the blockchain technology, a suitable reinforcement of the client’s information or data will be accessible. Interestingly, the company has also incorporated a token in their model. IBM has stated that the tokens shall verify the client’s browser session activities as they are packaged into blocks for the peer-to-peer framework.

The company has also stated that the blockchain-based browser affords a system for storing the browsing information by preserving privacy and placing it in the hands of the users rather than any third-party.

Since a year ago, IBM has significantly tripled the number of blockchain-based licenses verified in the US, currently displaying more than 100 dynamic patent families, making the tech giant’s development in the US licenses the biggest of a year ago. Moreover, IBM also has an edge in terms of employment opportunities in the blockchain business. According to recent research, IBM leads with 335 employment offers until May 2019, followed by Oracle and PwC.