The offline digital currency puzzle solved by a local blockchain

05/03/2023

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by   Henrique de Carvalho Videira, et al.

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A major drawback in deploying central bank digital currencies (CDBC) is the offline puzzle, which requires that a CBDC must keep the provision given by cash, and, simultaneously, avoid double-spending, counterfeiting, and other issues. The puzzle is solved by minting the coins in serials, which are stored on a local blockchain (e.g. smartphone). The local blockchain is secured by keys embedded in the hardware and can be continuously mined by the wallet to enhance security. The coins can be either minted as hot coins, which can be retrieved in case of loss, or minted as cold coins, like physical cash.