The Application of Blockchain Technology in the Field of Electronic Document Management: A Case Study of the ARCHANGEL Project

Abstract

The ARCHANGEL project represents a pivotal advancement in the domain of blockchain technology, focusing on the establishment of a secure, efficient, and reliable framework for preserving electronic archival information. At the core of its operational ethos – “not to detect counterfeit but to substantiate the genuine” – resides its guiding principle. This initiative provides the public with robust archive verification services, enhancing the trustworthiness of information preserved within its system. By conducting an in-depth analysis of ARCHANGEL’s technological foundations and scholarly aspects, as well as a comprehensive understanding of its blockchain execution model, we examine the project’s potential impact on the future integration of blockchain methodologies in managing electronic records. This includes developing a respected infrastructure, increasing public trust in archival systems, and promoting a decentralized and collaboratively managed structure. Simultaneously, we undertake a critical evaluation of the project’s current limitations, acknowledging the need for continuous research and improvement in this innovative and dynamic field.