The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) today released NIST Internal Report 8202, Blockchain Technology Overview. The report is a “high-level technical publication that examines the history, scope, and characteristics” of blockchain, according to a NIST release. NIST calls the report an “introductory document” intended to serve as a “foundation” for a series of publications that will get into the nitty gritty aspects of blockchain. In the report, NIST considers numerous aspects of blockchain, including implementation approaches, limitations and misconceptions, and “several areas of consideration for Federal agencies and organizations seeking to understand and manage blockchain technology.” Prior to this final version, NIST released a draft for public comment. In a release, NIST explained that the report has undergone “substantial revisions” following public feedback.
