Project Depolymerization: Tokenization of Blockchains

GNU Taler is an electronic payment system implemented as Free Software. The goal of this project is to enable payments with blockchain-based cryptocurrencies in GNU Taler.

Blockchain-based cryptocurrencies come with their own special set of challenges, such as lack of finality, unpredictable delays and fees in transactions. Our work analyzes the limitations that arise from using a blockchain as a settlement layer for GNU Taler and describes ways to mitigate their impact. By proving that blockchains can be used as a settlement layer for GNU Taler, we show that it is not only capable of handling bank money, but also widely used cryptocurrencies.

For cryptocurrencies owners, this integration offers a new solution for instant and low-cost payments that can scale beyond blockchains limitations while preserving or enhancing privacy.