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The Hive blockchain emerged as a fork of the Steem blockchain in March 2020 , following concerns about centralization and governance control after Steemit Inc.’s acquisition by TRON’s Justin Sun . While the fork was intended to preserve community autonomy , it also carried significant data privacy implications , as user-generated content and account information from Steem were replicated onto Hive without explicit consent .

This raises critical legal and ethical questions , particularly regarding compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Digital Services Act (DSA) -two key regulatory frameworks governing data privacy, digital platform accountability, and consumer rights within the EU . In this article, we examine how GDPR and DSA apply to Hive’s creation, its publicly displayed data, and the legal responsibilities of platforms like , , and .

How the GDPR Applies to Hive’s Data Migration

1. User Consent and the Right to Data Protection

The GDPR mandates that platforms obtain explicit consent before processing personal data. However, when Hive forked from Steem, it replicated all user-generated posts, transaction histories, and account details -without asking individual users for permission.

2. The Right to Be Forgotten vs. Blockchain Immutability

One of the most significant conflicts between GDPR and blockchain technology is the “right to be forgotten” , which allows users to request the deletion of their personal data.

3. Transparency in Data Processing

The GDPR also requires clear disclosures about how user data is processed. Platforms like , , and Waivio serve as front-end interfaces for Hive’s blockchain data, meaning they publicly display migrated user content from Steem.

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How the DSA Applies to Hive and Its Front-End Platforms

1. Content Moderation and Illegal Content Removal

The DSA imposes stricter obligations on digital platforms , requiring them to monitor and remove illegal content , including fraud, hate speech, and misinformation.

• Moderation Challenge : Since Hive is a decentralized blockchain , removing content directly from the blockchain is impossible . However, front-end sites like , , and could enforce visibility restrictions on harmful content.
• Platform Accountability : If these platforms operate within the EU and fail to comply with DSA moderation requirements , they could face legal consequences.

2. Algorithmic Transparency and User Choice

The DSA requires large online platforms to explain how their algorithms rank or display content .

3. Advertising and Consumer Protections

• Ads must be clearly labeled , ensuring users understand who is funding digital promotions .
• Targeted advertising restrictions apply, particularly for content related to sensitive personal data .

Challenges for Hive and Its Front-End Platforms

The Hive blockchain’s creation and the continued display of Steem-migrated user data on , , and raise significant concerns under both GDPR and DSA regulations . While blockchain’s immutability and decentralized nature make enforcement challenging, platforms operating within the EU must still consider transparency, privacy rights, and content moderation requirements to remain compliant.

As blockchain governance evolves, regulatory bodies may push for new legal frameworks to address these unique challenges, ensuring users retain control over their data while maintaining decentralized innovation . Hive, along with its front-end platforms, will need to adapt to these regulations to avoid legal risks while fostering a more compliant and ethical digital ecosystem.

Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.