Governments globally are increasingly adopting blockchain technology to enhance transparency and accountability in public services and governmental transactions. This approach involves recording government activities on a decentralized, immutable digital ledger, enabling citizens unprecedented insight into public fund usage and decision-making affecting their communities. Blockchain’s core strength lies in creating secure, transparent, and tamper-proof records; unlike traditional databases that can be altered, blockchain ensures information, once recorded, cannot be changed without the network's consensus. This feature fosters greater trust between governments and citizens by providing clear, verifiable records of governmental actions. A primary application of blockchain is in public sector financial management, allowing real-time, transparent tracking of budget allocations and expenditures. This visibility helps citizens understand how tax dollars are spent, curbing corruption and misuse of funds. The immutable nature of blockchain also deters fraud and promotes fiscal responsibility among officials. Another significant use is streamlining public service processes such as issuing permits, licenses, and certificates. Recording these transactions on blockchain reduces fraud risks and improves efficiency and transparency, simplifying bureaucracy for citizens and enhancing accountability in government operations. Furthermore, blockchain supports participatory governance by creating platforms for direct citizen engagement in policymaking. Blockchain-based voting systems provide secure, verifiable elections that prevent tampering and boost public confidence.

Transparent recording of proposals and feedback also allows governments to show responsiveness to citizen inputs. Several countries have launched pilot projects to test blockchain’s governance potential. Estonia, a digital innovation leader, extensively uses blockchain to secure its e-residency program and manage health records. Dubai aims to become a blockchain-powered city, integrating government services on a blockchain network to improve transparency and accessibility. Despite these benefits, blockchain adoption in public administration faces challenges such as technical complexities, the need for regulatory frameworks, and concerns about privacy and data security. There is also the risk of excluding populations without access to digital technologies. Overcoming these hurdles requires collaboration among technologists, policymakers, and civil society. Clear guidelines and public education investments are crucial to fostering an environment where blockchain enables transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance. In summary, integrating blockchain technology into government functions has the potential to revolutionize public service delivery and citizen engagement. By providing immutable and transparent records, blockchain can increase trust, reduce corruption, and encourage greater public participation. As more governments explore and implement this technology, blockchain is poised to become a vital tool for creating more open and accountable public institutions.