Blockchain is a distributed ledger or record of transactions that is digitally signed to ensure authenticity. It was originally developed for Bitcoin as a new form of digital currency and allows value to be traded globally. Each block contains data, a hash, and the hash of the previous block, and changing a single block invalidates all following blocks. Blockchain uses a peer-to-peer network where if a new block is created, it is sent to everyone in the network. Recent developments include using blockchain for smart contracts and storing medical records, e-notary services, and collecting taxes.