Subscribe
  • Home
  • /
  • Internet
  • /
  • New app aims to use blockchain to streamline explicit legal consent

New app aims to use blockchain to streamline explicit legal consent

Staff Writer
By Staff Writer, ITWeb
Johannesburg, 19 Jan 2018
A new app aims to create binding legal contracts between consenting participants of sexual acts.
A new app aims to create binding legal contracts between consenting participants of sexual acts.

Digital contracts specialist, LegalThings, has unveiled a new mobile app that aims to ensure that explicit sexual consent is granted before participants engage in sexual behaviour.

LegalFling, according to the firm, is a blockchain-based app that allows users to request consent from any of their contacts. The app then enters the consenting participants into a binding legal contract, or a Live Contract - and breaking any of the stipulated rules will then be seen as a breach of contract. The app also uses blockchain technology to store and timestamp all transactions.

"In addition to sending your request for consensual sex to your contact of choice, the app will also send along your sexual preferences, including your do's and don'ts. These include options such as approval for photos and videos to be made, condom use, STD-free guarantee, explicit language use, and BDSM. If a breach of contract does occur, users can simply click a button that will trigger cease and desist letters and enforcing penalty payments. While you're protected by law, litigating any offences through court is nearly impossible in reality. LegalFling creates a legally binding agreement, which means any offence is a breach of contract," said the firm.

According to the company Web site, the idea for the app was sparked by the global #MeToo campaign where many women shared stories of sexual assault and harassment on social media platforms. The app, says the company, will try and create a set of boundaries.

The company further outlines that the app is not only targeted at people looking for once-off liaisons but for all types of sexual relationships, even long-term relationships.

This type of app is not the first of its kind as the likes of We-Consent and Sasie being established in the past.

Despite the high rate of sexual crimes in the world, announcement of the app launch was met with much hostility on social media with users accusing the creators of undermining the seriousness of sexual crimes.

LegalFling is yet to receive the approval of Google and Apple before it can be downloaded.

Share