dcbtis

Data-centric blockchain timestamped information system (dcbtis) is a conceptual framework in information governance that describes a set of practices and technical components aimed at ensuring data provenance, integrity, and auditable history across distributed environments. The term emphasizes data as the primary object of governance, with cryptographic proofs and timestamped records anchoring changes rather than focusing solely on applications or networks.

Core concepts include data provenance, tamper-evidence using cryptographic hashes, append-only logs resembling a distributed ledger, and policy-driven access control. A dcbtis typically integrates a content-addressed storage layer, a tamper-evident log or ledger, and a governance layer that enforces data-sharing rules via smart contracts or policy engines. Identity management, consent handling, and privacy-preserving techniques such as selective disclosure or zero-knowledge proofs may be incorporated to manage access while protecting sensitive information.

Architecturally, it separates data, metadata, and audit information. The data layer stores actual content; the log stores immutable records of operations; the policy layer governs who may read or modify data; and the verification layer provides provenance checks and forensic auditing.

Applications include cross-organization data sharing in supply chains, healthcare data exchange, regulatory reporting, and digital asset provenance. Proponents argue that dcbtis improves trust, reduces duplication, and streamlines compliance; critics warn of performance overhead, interoperability challenges, and privacy risks if not carefully designed.

History: the concept emerged in the 2010s in academic and industry discussions about data-centric governance and distributed ledgers. It remains a descriptive framework rather than a single standardized protocol, with multiple implementations and evolving best practices.

See also: data provenance, blockchain, distributed ledger, cryptographic hash, zero-knowledge proof.