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Comment by spicybright | Hacker News Reader

Proof of ownership of a device is another.

No. This meme should really die, cryptocurrency does not allow for "proof of ownership" in any way.

While I am not sure it provides enough real benefits 'does not allow it in any way' is clearly wrong. A company can decide that they acknowledge ownership based on whatever entry they originally put on the blockchain (with or without the ability for a user to trade it), perhaps tied to a private key built into the device or belonging to the user (but then there's a risk they lose their key).

The private key is what accomplishes what you're describing, not the blockchain.

Private key on its own doesn't provide things like history of trades. And at any rate, you said it 'does not allow it'.

A blockchain does not provide a "history of trades", the blockchain oracle does, there is no need to add a blockchain into the mix since you already have to trust the centralized oracle (in this case, Apple).

Thats what your apple ID is for. The problem with ownership on the blockchain is it still depends on a central authority recognition for most useful things. For instance your home title still needs to be recognized by the government. And if thats the case you might as well just have a database derived from the authority.

Now if you wanted to change the whole system to where the government doesnt need authority over home titles anymore in any way (taxation, ownership enforcement, etc), then thats a possibility. Not saying this is a good or bad idea. Phones are harder for me to see this as ever a possibility because its really a partnership where Apple provides ongoing support.

How would that be done in any more useful way than it is right now?

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