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Computing · Recorded milestone

Blockchain

Recorded year2009

Bitcoin combines public-key cryptography and proof-of-work into a decentralised ledger.

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Built on

DRAM memory chipRecorded · 1970requires
MicroprocessorRecorded · 1971requires
TCP/IPRecorded · 1974requires
Personal computerRecorded · 1975requires
Public-key cryptographyRecorded · 1976enables

Led to

Smart contractsRecorded · 2015enables
Practical zero-knowledge proofsRecorded · 2016enables
Global ransomware attacksRecorded · 2017enables
NFT digital artRecorded · 2017enables
Central-bank digital currencyRecorded · 2020enables
Regulated stablecoinsRecorded · 2025enables

Sources & evidence

Additional source

Dataset updated 2026-10-18. This individual record has not been separately re-reviewed.