Overview
EN ISO 22739:2025 (ISO 22739:2024) is the CEN-adopted European version of the ISO vocabulary for blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (DLT). Its scope is concise: to define the fundamental terminology used across blockchain and DLT documents. The second edition (ISO 22739:2024) updates and expands terms from the 2020 edition to promote consistent language across standards, regulations, product specs and technical documentation.
Key Topics
This vocabulary standard provides formal definitions and notes for core concepts, including:
- Block, block header, block data - structure and components of blocks.
- Blockchain vs. distributed ledger - definitions distinguishing an append-only chain and more general ledgers.
- Consensus and consensus mechanism - what it means for nodes to agree and how agreement is reached.
- DLT components - DLT node, DLT network, DLT platform, DLT system, DLT account, DLT address.
- Assets and cryptoassets - digital asset, cryptocurrency and related terms.
- Security primitives - cryptography, digital signature, immutability, tamper-evident properties.
- Interoperability and integration - DLT bridge, DLT oracle.
- Identity & applications - decentralized identifier (DID), decentralized identity, decentralized application (Dapp).
- Governance and operational terms - DLT governance, confirmed/validated transactions, rewards.
Notes and source attributions reference existing ISO standards where applicable (e.g., ISO 19299, ISO 14641, ISO 7498-2), and the document follows ISO/TC 37 guidance for terminology.
Applications
EN ISO 22739:2025 is practical for anyone needing a consistent vocabulary in blockchain/DLT contexts:
- Standards developers and technical committees aligning cross‑document terminology.
- Solution architects & developers writing specifications, APIs and system designs.
- Legal, procurement and compliance teams drafting contracts, regulatory filings and policy.
- Auditors and regulators assessing systems against normative criteria.
- Educators, researchers and trainers producing courses, whitepapers and teaching materials.
- Vendors & integrators creating product documentation, interoperability profiles and user guides.
Using a common glossary reduces ambiguity in contracts, improves interoperability between DLT systems, and supports clearer regulatory and technical communication.
Related standards
- ISO/TC 307 work programme (Blockchain and distributed ledger technologies)
- Cited source standards within definitions (e.g., ISO 19299:2020, ISO 14641:2018, ISO 7498-2:1989)
- Supersedes EN ISO 22739:2022; adopted by CEN as EN ISO 22739:2025 (approved 11 May 2025)
Keywords: EN ISO 22739:2025, ISO 22739:2024, blockchain vocabulary, distributed ledger vocabulary, DLT terminology, blockchain glossary, DLT standards.
