A Cornell Tech professor and prominent figure in the blockchain community has penned a cautionary tale centered on the risks of smart contracts deviating from their intended purposes.
Ari Juels, occupying a prestigious position at Cornell Tech and serving as the chief scientist at Chainlink Labs, a key player in decentralized oracle networks, has authored a gripping crypto thriller titled ‘The Oracle,’ released by Talos Press.
The narrative follows a protagonist, akin to Juels, well-versed in blockchain oracles — connectors linking blockchains with external systems. Juels, who co-authored a significant white paper for Chainlink Labs in 2021, explores the protagonist’s involvement with rogue smart contracts in the face of a looming threat to a certain Professor Vigano, drawing attention from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation within the novel’s plot.
While the novel, published on Feb. 20, doesn’t mirror real-life events, Juels underscores its purpose as a cautionary tale against the misuse of blockchain technology, particularly in financial realms, by artificial intelligence agents.
Through a blend of contemporary issues, ancient lore, and technological innovation, ‘The Oracle’ delves into the ethical dilemmas posed by the intersection of privacy, truth, and emerging technologies like blockchain and AI.
In a recent interview with Cointelegraph, Juels sheds light on his motivation behind crafting this science-based narrative and its implications for both technologists and broader society. He explores the potential risks and benefits of blockchain and AI integration and emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between innovation and accountability in the evolving landscape of digital technologies.