This is real data from the Ethereum mainnet
experiment
Immutability can be a double-edged sword.
This is an fun experiment to demonstrate that it is possible to store arbitrary data forever, including images, on the Ethereum blockchain at a very low cost and very easily, as transaction input data.
Once stored, it cannot be deleted, so be careful. Continue reading below to understand why I’ve chosen this imagery.
About the experiment
Why boobs? Immutability is a double-edged sword. Transaction data stays forever, which is good. But a wicked mind could leverage immutability to store harmful images or texts about a third party FOREVER, with the goal of inflicting social damage.
Once stored, it is irreversible. And it interferes with the Right to be forgotten.
Think about a spiteful vengeance in the context of a lovers’ spat or a relationship break-up. That’s why I’ve used artistic boobs, as a fun analogy.
How? Ethereum transactions can include input data, encoded as a hexadecimal. Storing data in smart contracts is expensive and prohibitive. But transaction input data is cheap. Storing these images cost almost less than $1 each.
To understand these transactions in more detail, continue reading below.
The steps This experiment was performed as follows:
- Initial transfer: I transferred a small amount of ETH to an address I control. Its onl
