Blockchain-implemented method and system for access control on remote internet-enabled resources

1. A computer-implemented method for controlling access to or use of an internet-enabled resource using a blockchain, the resource being an Internet of things (IoT) vehicle, the method being performed by the resource and comprising the steps of:

providing a first blockchain transaction (T×1) comprising at least one output which is redeemable only by provision of at least:

a user private key;

a secret value selected by a user; and

signatures associated with any two of a resource provider, the user and the resource;

receiving use-related information related to a journey from the resource provider;

generating a second blockchain transaction (T×4) comprising an input signed with a signature associated with the resource and a public key of the resource;

requesting at least the secret value;

receiving a modified second blockchain transaction (T×4) including the secret value, a redeem script and the signature of the user, wherein the second blockchain transaction has been modified by the user;

submitting the second blockchain transaction to the blockchain; and

allowing access to the resource in response to validation of said modification of the second blockchain transaction.

2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the use-related information is sent by the resource provider in a form of a tokenised third blockchain transaction comprising either the information or a location thereof.

3. A method according to claim 2 , further comprising a step of generating a fourth blockchain transaction comprising at least one output redeemable to return an amount of cryptocurrency underlying the tokenised third blockchain transaction to the resource provider.

4. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the second blockchain transaction comprises a first output relating to payable first asset transferrable to the resource provider and a second output relating to a second asset transferrable to the user.

5. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the second blockchain transaction comprises at least one output of the second blockchain transaction that is prevented from being modified by the user.

6. A method according to claim 5 , wherein the at least one output is prevented from being modified as a result of a securing input to the second blockchain transaction comprising a sighash flag SIGHASH_ALL|SIGHASH_ANYONECANPAY.

7. A method according to claim 6 , wherein the securing input comprises an amount of cryptocurrency provided by at least one of the resource provider and an electronic wallet associated with the resource.

8. A method according to claim 1 , further comprising a step of generating a fifth blockchain transaction comprising at least one output redeemable to refund an amount of cryptocurrency associated with the first blockchain transaction responsive to non-use of the resource.

9. A method according to claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:

receiving, from the user, at least one confirmation message confirming accuracy of the use-related information;

hashing said confirmation message; and

storing said hashed message in a distributed hash table.

10. A method according to claim 1 , further comprising the step of hashing the use-related information and storing said hashed information in a distributed hash table.

11. A method according to claim 1 , further comprising the step of determining a number of users present in the resource and allowing or disallowing provision of the resource dependent on said number.

12. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the resource is a driverless car.

13. A system for controlling access to or use of an internet-enabled resource using a blockchain, the resource being an Internet of things (IoT) vehicle, the system, comprising:

a blockchain;

one or more processors; and

memory storing computer-executable instructions, that, as a result of execution by the one or more processors, cause the system to:

provide, to the blockchain, a first blockchain transaction (T×1) comprising at least one output which is redeemable only by provision of at least:

a user private key;

a secret value selected by a user; and

signatures associated with any two of a resource provider, the user and the resource;

receive use-related information related to a journey from the resource provider;

generate a second blockchain transaction (T×4) comprising an input signed with a signature associated with the resource and a public key of the resource;

request at least the secret value;

receive a modified second blockchain transaction (T×4) including the secret value, a redeem script and the signature of the user, wherein the second blockchain transaction has been modified by the user;

submit the second blockchain transaction to the blockchain; and

allow access to the resource in response to validation of said modification of the second blockchain transaction.

14. A system according to claim 13 , wherein the use-related information is sent by the resource provider in a form of a tokenised third blockchain transaction comprising either the information or a location thereof.

15. A system according to claim 14 , further configured to:

generate a fourth blockchain transaction comprising at least one output redeemable to return an amount of cryptocurrency underlying the tokenised third blockchain transaction to the resource provider.

16. A system according to claim 13 , wherein the second blockchain transaction comprises a first output relating to payable first asset transferrable to the resource provider and a second output relating to a second asset transferrable to the user.

17. A system according to claim 13 , wherein the second blockchain transaction comprises at least one output of the second blockchain transaction that is prevented from being modified by the user.

18. A system according to claim 17 , wherein the at least one output is prevented from being modified as a result of a securing input to the second blockchain transaction comprising a sighash flag SIGHASH_ALL|SIGHASH_ANYONECANPAY.

19. A system according to claim 18 , wherein the securing input comprises an amount of cryptocurrency provided by at least one of the resource provider and an electronic wallet associated with the resource.

20. A system according to claim 13 , further configured to:

generate a fifth blockchain transaction comprising at least one output redeemable to refund an amount of cryptocurrency associated with the first blockchain transaction responsive to non-use of the resource.