Digital tokens could widen art trading, but security and access gaps remain

A survey finds that blockchain-based art markets may help artists connect with collectors while creating new privacy, security and usability problems.

Editorial illustration — not from the study.

The review examines how blockchain-based systems and non-fungible tokens are being used in visual art. These systems can provide digital certificates linked to artworks, help artists reach collectors through decentralized marketplaces and support automatic royalty payments through software-based contracts.

The researchers also identify major obstacles to broader adoption. These include security weaknesses in smart contracts, the public nature of many blockchain records, difficulties related to scale and compatibility between systems, and steep learning curves that may exclude artists who are less familiar with digital tools.

What the survey found

The survey finds that non-fungible tokens can support ownership verification for digital artworks and reduce artists’ dependence on intermediaries. Existing studies also describe ways for artists to connect directly with collectors, retain more revenue and receive recurring royalties through smart contracts. However, the review identifies security vulnerabilities, privacy concerns, scalability and interoperability problems, and limited digital literacy as barriers to adoption. It concludes that these issues must be addressed for blockchain-based art markets to become more equitable and sustainable.

Why access matters

Blockchain-based art systems could give digital artists more direct ways to distribute work, connect with buyers and manage payments. But the review suggests that wider access will depend on solving technical risks and making these systems easier and safer to use. Without that, the technology could leave artists with less digital experience behind and reinforce existing inequalities in the art world.

Evidence and limits

This is a survey and systematic analysis of existing research, not a new experiment or market study. The abstract does not report a new sample, measured adoption rate or quantified financial benefit, so it cannot show how often the described advantages occur or how large they are. Its conclusions depend on the scope and quality of the studies reviewed. The paper proposes further research on user experience and remixing in digital art.

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