Search for: All records

This paper introduces HotStuff-1, a BFT consensus protocol that improves the latency of HotStuff-1 by two network hops while maintaining linear communication complexity against faults. Furthermore, HotStuff-1 incorporates an incentive-compatible leader rotation design that motivates leaders to propose transactions promptly. HotStuff-1 achieves a reduction of two network hops byspeculativelysending clients early finality confirmations, after one phase of the protocol. Introducing speculation into streamlined protocols is challenging because, unlike stable-leader protocols, these protocols cannot stop the consensus and recover from failures. Thus, we identifyprefix speculation dilemmain the context of streamlined protocols; HotStuff-1 is the first streamlined protocol to resolve it. HotStuff-1 embodies an additional mechanism,slotting, that thwarts delays caused by (1) rationally-incentivized leaders and (2) malicious leaders inclined to sabotage others' progress. The slotting mechanism allows leaders to dynamically drive as many decisions as allowed by network transmission delays before view timers expire, thus mitigating both threats. 

ABSTRACT: Vehicle monitoring and collection (“VMC”) technology, including starter interrupt devices that remotely disable vehicles, and other GPS tracking devices are used in consumer vehicle agreements in subprime transactions. Subscription-based models supported by VMC features, such as over-the-air software updates that remotely disable or enable vehicular functions, have also appeared in the non-subprime automobile context as well. This Article contends that the rise in VMC technology and features raises several alarming privacy, electronic subjugation, and cybersecurity risks. The Article makes an express link between the consumer risks and harms associated with the use of VMC technology in subprime lending transactions and the broader technological shift towards a subscription-based service model supported by VMC features in non-subprime vehicle transactions. The Article’s evaluation and critique of VMC technology and features is conducted simultaneously through the lens of commercial law, state VMC technology statutes, state privacy laws, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), and federal frameworks governing transactions involving consumer vehicles. I argue that these legal regimes do not consistently protect consumer interests and are insufficient to comprehensively meet the challenges associated with the VMC age. The Article concludes by offering a detailed path forward. 

{}