Stellar and Uber are both pioneering the concept of computational trust, a new form of trust built on computer algorithms and data analysis. Computational trust is changing the way we interact with strangers, making it possible to trust someone without ever having met them. Stellar, a digital currency platform, uses computational trust to ensure the security and reliability of transactions. It relies on a consensus algorithm to verify transactions, eliminating the need for a centralised authority.

Similarly, Uber uses computational trust to match drivers and passengers, based on ratings, location and car type. The company’s algorithm assesses the trustworthiness of drivers and passengers, and matches them accordingly. This system has proven to be successful, with Uber now operating in over 200 cities worldwide.

Computational trust is not without its challenges. It requires vast amounts of data to function effectively, and there are concerns about the privacy and security of this data. Despite these challenges, computational trust is becoming increasingly important in the digital age, with potential applications in many sectors. It represents a powerful tool for building trust in a world where face-to-face interactions are becoming less common.

Go to source article: http://techcrunch.com/2014/08/08/stellar-uber-and-the-rise-of-computational-trust/