The Web3 solutions-taking-over-all-the-traditional-industries promise is ever tempting, isn’t it? Unstoppable Domains’ .derad TLD, which would seek to reshape aviation identity, is only the most recent such instance. They’re pitching a future with secure, verifiable on-chain identities for everyone from pilots to drone operators. Before we uncork the champagne, let's ask a crucial question: Is this really what aviation needs, or is it just a shiny new object distracting us from more pressing concerns?
Aviation Identity: Truly Broken?
The .derad narrative gets at something very important. It claims that the current aviation identity infrastructure is outdated beyond repair, with more than half of all systems still working in silos. Okay, fair, some systems are clunky. But are we really discussing a system so fundamentally broken that the entire thing needs to be thrown out the window in favor of a blockchain-based panacea?
Consider this: the aviation industry, despite its complexities, has a pretty impressive safety record. It runs on deep layers of redundancy and strict regulation. Surprisingly, it employs the use of technology so backwards that it has been shown to be reliable for decades. Considering the risk, swapping to a largely untested Web3 solution seems like a gamble. It would be like substituting a veteran captain with a first day solo flight graduate.
Think about it: We're talking about entrusting critical identity data – the kind that dictates who can fly a plane, maintain its engines, or control its airspace – to a blockchain. However, along with the promised benefits of blockchain technology come new attack vectors. Are we truly ready to dance with the new devil when the one we know is so shady and dangerous?
Security: The Blockchain Promise, Peril?
Blockchain evangelists tout immutability and security. But immutability isn't always a virtue. When a pilot’s license is pulled without warning. But how do you “un-revoke” it on an immutable ledger? Although the cryptographic principles driving blockchain are strong, its implementation is a different tale.
Do you remember the DAO hack? Or the countless NFT rug pulls? These are not one-off occurrences; they serve as a wake-up call that no matter how sophisticated the blockchain technology may be, it’s not immune to exploitation.
Now picture a future where a malicious actor is able to take over a pilot’s .derad domain. They might be able to spoof their identity, manipulate flight data, or perhaps most dangerously hack into and take over air traffic control systems. The consequences could be catastrophic.
Let's be blunt: Aviation isn't a game. It's not a metaverse experiment. Given the very real-world consequences of this highly regulated industry, there should be no surprises. Technological change Regulators are already falling behind the speed of technological change. Do we truly think they’re prepared to take the leap of faith and adopt a totally decentralized, privacy-preserving aviation identity system?
| Risk | Description | Potential Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Domain Hijacking | Unauthorized access to a .derad domain. | Identity spoofing, data manipulation, system disruption. |
| Smart Contract Vulnerabilities | Flaws in the smart contracts governing .derad domains. | Data breaches, financial losses, system compromise. |
| 51% Attack | A malicious actor gains control of the blockchain network. | Data manipulation, censorship, double-spending. |
| Regulatory Uncertainty | Lack of clear legal frameworks for Web3 aviation identities. | Legal challenges, compliance issues, adoption barriers. |
Real-World Aviation, Not a Metaverse
I suspect not. The regulatory hurdles facing .derad are immense. Governments are famously slow to adopt new technologies, and doubly so when their safety and security is on the line. Getting international aviation regulators to agree to the use of a blockchain-based identity system will be a Herculean effort in itself.
Think about the ongoing debate around self-driving cars. However, after years of development and quiet testing, regulators are still wary to completely adopt autonomous vehicles. Why? Because the stakes are too high. The same logic applies to .derad.
Anxiety Trigger: What happens when a .derad domain conflicts with existing regulations?…who will have the final authority – the blockchain or the government. The harm posed by such legal wrangling and regulatory standstill would be enormous.
So, all in all, the success of .derad really does depend on widespread adoption across the board by the aviation industry. Widespread adoption will not happen if regulators are doubtful, security is unreliable, and the benefits ambiguous. The global aviation software market is projected to skyrocket at a CAGR of 15.8% reaching $33.7 billion by 2030. Conversely, blockchain technology in aviation is expected to grow at a stunning 22.1% CAGR. Yet, all of these predictions are highly speculative.
Rather than diving in blindly into the fad of Web3, let’s consider a better way. Let's focus on improving existing systems, addressing known vulnerabilities, and establishing clear regulatory frameworks before we entrust the future of aviation to a blockchain buzzword.
Instead of rushing headlong into the Web3 hype, let's take a more measured approach. Let's focus on improving existing systems, addressing known vulnerabilities, and establishing clear regulatory frameworks before we entrust the future of aviation to a blockchain buzzword.
