Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer media for authenticating and verifying transactions using a distributed-ledger-based chain of custody are described herein. A transactable credit can be generated that represents establishment of a physical asset that is fixed to a geolocation. A decentralized chain of custody for the transactable credit can be established in a distributed ledger. The decentralized chain of custody can include information describing the establishment of the physical asset, the geolocation of the physical asset, and transaction information for transactions involving the physical asset. Transactions involving the transactable credit can be authorized using the decentralized chain of custody, and transaction information for such transactions can also be stored in the distributed ledger as part of the decentralized chain of custody.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer media for authenticating transactions, storing transaction information, communicating with users, and providing proof of transactions using text messages (e.g., text messaging on a feature phone) and a distributed ledger are described herein. A text-messaging communication session can be established between a user's mobile device and a distributed ledger. In the communication session, transaction information for a transaction associated with the user can be transmitted from the mobile device to the distributed ledger via text message. A geolocation of the mobile device can be extracted from the text message(s). The transaction information can be encrypted and stored, along with the geolocation of the mobile device, directly in the distributed ledger in association with the user. Upon receiving a request for proof of the transaction, the encrypted transaction information stored directly in the distributed ledger can be decrypted and provided and as proof of the transaction.

Abstract: Mechanisms to customize forms in a distributed ledger trust network (“DLTN”) are described. A given user can specify metadata that defines a form to be completed by other users, where the metadata that defines the form is stored in a blockchain. The given user can set permissions for the form, so as to control access to the form, and assign the form to other users for completion. After another user has submitted an instance of a form (including data entered by the other user) to the blockchain, the given user can review and approve the instance of the form, or request a correction to the form by the other user. The blockchain can store a record of the form, instances of the form that include data provided by other users at different stages, and information about the status of those instances of the form (e.g., approved, correction requested, rejected).

Abstract: Mechanisms to manage permissions to access user data in a distributed ledger trust network (“DLTN”) are described. A given user can share access to user data in a fine-grained way. Access to user data can depend on the category of the user data and/or the role of another user (e.g., whether the other user is recognized as a connection). Access to user data can be limited in duration. Permissions to access user data can be set proactively or reactively. A protocol allows a potential reviewer to request access to the user data of a given user, with the given user selectively approving or rejecting access by the reviewer. In this way, a given user can control access to user data in the DLTN, selectively granting (or revoking) access to some of the user data or all of the user data, by selected other users or by all other users.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer media implementing blockchain-based identity and transaction platforms are described herein. Identity information, such as a photo, for a person can be encrypted and stored in a blockchain as part of enrolling the person as a user in a blockchain-based identity and transaction platform. Trust relationships can be formed between the user and other users, and records of the trust relationships can also be stored in the blockchain. Transactions between the user and other users with whom the user has formed a trust relationship can also be stored in the blockchain. The transactions can be authorized, for example, through a multi-stage verification process that accesses information stored on the blockchain. The transactions and identity information, along with other information, contribute to an economic identity of the person.