Can you build a blockchain with escrow features?

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jake_lordMember
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#1Dec 30, 2019, 02:15 AM
Hey everyone! I’m curious about whether it’s feasible to add an escrow feature to a blockchain. Escrow is usually used to safeguard the interests of people involved in transactions, so I’m wondering if we could implement something like that with blockchain tech.
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byte_protoFull Member
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#2Dec 30, 2019, 01:58 PM
Smart contract can be use for this, if certain conditions is meant then the transactions will go on. Another I think is similar is the LN, since both party have to multi-sig address where an agreement must be reached between parties before the transaction can be a success
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paul2017Senior Member
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#3Dec 30, 2019, 07:43 PM
Basic escrow is as easy as sending to a 2-of-3 multisig address, with an arbitrator being the third signer. A 2-of-2 multisig escrow must generally be done in a layer on top of Bitcoin, but that might change in the future. A Lightning channel is an example a 2-of-2 multisig escrow.
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coin_sigmaLegendary
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#4Dec 31, 2019, 01:37 AM
If this is all about the escrow mechanism I think Bitcoin's blockchain already has a similar function Miners and nodes should act as escrow they are the ones who confirm and validate transactions if the transaction didn't follow the consensus rules then it would likely be rejected. Unless you talking about different functions? You should explain more because Bitcoin already has this function.
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im_apeHero Member
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#5Dec 31, 2019, 07:30 AM
What you call "condition" determines whether this is possible or not. Certain "conditions" are impossible to implement using smart contracts because you can't programmatically check and enforce them. For example when it is an escrow for purchase of a physical good. There is no way to verify if the merchant sent the physical goods in the code (aka digitally). There needs to be human intervention, and a third party. Some other "conditions" in some special cases can be implemented. For examples if it is a coin swap. Like if you wanted to exchange your litecoin for bitcoin. Atomic Swap protocol is categorized as HTLC that act as escrows. Both of these examples are possible in Bitcoin protocol with its smart contract capabilities.
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gang2014Member
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#6Dec 31, 2019, 11:29 AM
Earlier I saw Zenland. I have not looked at details of their technical aspects but I guess you can have a look if that is closer to your idea.
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silentchainHero Member
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#7Dec 31, 2019, 12:01 PM
Yeah, it is possible and the relevant development is already in progress. For instance, BitEscrow project has proposed SDK which "implements a trust-less protocol for locking Bitcoin in escrow, without requiring a custodian for the funds". You may try their engine to create the draft for such escrow contract and look at its details.
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