Regulation and remediation of ‘forever’ chemicals
This POSTnote summarises debates on regulatory approaches for addressing the environmental impacts arising from per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Distributed ledger technology (DLT) is a type of digital records system that allows multiple identical copies of a ledger to be stored on different computers on a network and updated by multiple different users. This POSTbrief provides a technical overview of the different types of DLT and how they work. It discusses some of the main applications of DLT and highlights the benefits and challenges of the technology.
Distributed Ledger Technology (198 KB , PDF)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58248/PB28
A conventional ledger is simply a records system that is managed and maintained by a trusted authority. For example, a bank records its customers’ financial transactions and the Driving and Vehicle Licencing Agency maintains an up-to-date ledger of everyone who has a driving licence. Traditionally these records were paper based, however, modern ledgers usually exist electronically on a database. Distributed ledger technology (DLT) is a technology that allows multiple identical copies of a ledger to be stored on different computers on a network and updated by multiple different users.
DLT has attracted a lot of attention in recent years as it is the technology that underpins cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin. Cryptocurrencies are the main application of DLT, however, there are a variety of other emerging applications of the technology. The finance sector has been particularly interested DLT for activities including transferring financial assets (such as shares) and streamlining cross border payments. DLT is also being explored for applications including supply chain management, energy trading and government operations. A number of DLT trial projects are taking place across industry and UK Government.
This POSTbrief provides a technical overview of the different types of DLT and how they work. It discusses some of the main applications of DLT and highlights the benefits and challenges of the technology.
POSTbriefs are responsive policy briefings from the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology. This POSTbrief is based on a literature review, interviews with external stakeholders and peer review. POST would like to thank interviewees and peer reviewers for kindly giving up their time during the preparation of this briefing, including:
*Denotes external reviewers of the briefing
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Distributed Ledger Technology (198 KB , PDF)
This POSTnote summarises debates on regulatory approaches for addressing the environmental impacts arising from per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) are important for the UK’s economic future. How can the routes through education and into STEM be improved?
This POSTnote considers the potential impacts of birthrate decline, including on the workforce and the provision of public services.