# Securing Construction Workers' Data Security and Privacy with Blockchain Technology
## 2 Literature Review
### Advanced Privacy Management Practices and the Adoption of Secure and Efficient Digital Solutions  
In response to the limitations of traditional data management methods, the construction industry is increasingly turning to advanced management practices and adopting secure and efficient digital solutions [3; 44; 45]. These practices leverage technological advancements to enhance privacy protection, data security, and compliance with privacy regulations. One key aspect is the implementation of privacy-enhancing technologies [46; 47], such as encryption [48], tokenization [49], and data anonymization [50]. These techniques ensure that personal information is protected both during storage and transmission, thus reducing the risk of unauthorized access or breaches.  
Additionally, the use of secure digital platforms and cloud-based solutions enables companies to centralize and manage workers' data more efficiently and securely. This includes various features, such as access controls, audit trails, fire walls, and user authentication mechanisms, to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to personal information [51]. Furthermore, construction companies are implementing strict data governance and data retention policies to ensure that personal information is retained only for as long as necessary and securely disposed of when no longer required [52]. By adhering to these policies, companies can minimize the potential risks associated with retaining personal information beyond its intended purpose [53].  
The adoption of such digital solutions enables the construction industry to streamline privacy-related processes, such as consent management [25; 26], data subject requests [27], and privacy impact assessments [28], thus leading to increased efficiency and compliance. However, it is essential for construction companies to carefully select and implement these digital solutions by considering certain factors, such as data security, scalability, interoperability, and alignment with privacy regulations.  
Thus, utilizing advanced technologies, such as blockchain, can offer potential solutions to enhance privacy in the construction industry [3; 20; 54]. For example, in the realm of securing construction workers' data, the adoption of blockchain technology over classical encryption methods is driven by its inherent features that address specific challenges in data management. Blockchain, as a decentralized and distributed ledger, ensures enhanced security through its consensus mechanisms and cryptographic hashing. Classical encryption methods, while effective, lack the transparency and immutability that blockchain provides. The construction industry demands a system where data integrity is guaranteed and any alteration is immediately noticeable. Blockchain's decentralized nature ensures that there is no single point of failure, thus reducing vulnerability to attacks [55]. Furthermore, the transparency of the blockchain allows for secure and traceable transactions, which fosters trust among stakeholders [56]. Classical encryption methods, although capable of securing data, may not offer the same level of transparency and resistance to tampering [57].  
Blockchain technology, with its decentralized and immutable nature [31; 58; 59], provides a secure and transparent platform for storing and managing data. This decentralized approach minimizes the risks associated with centralized databases, as it requires consensus among network participants (in the case of the construction industry, stakeholders) to validate and record transactions, thus ensuring data integrity and security. Implementing blockchain-based systems in the construction industry can foster a climate of trust and transparency [60]. Construction workers can have confidence that their personal information is securely stored and accessed only by authorized parties, thereby enhancing accountability and reducing the likelihood of privacy breaches [14].