Distributed ledger technology and the development of digital smart contracts have the potential for a new disruptive technology. Applications based on them could find their way into the management of many areas of every day life. However, they also carry certain risks for sustainable development of our society. This paper is intended as a preliminary consideration and outlines some of these risks. – Die Distributed Ledger Technologie und die damit zusammenhängende Entwicklung von digitalen Smart Contracts bieten das Potential zu einer neuen disruptiven Technologie. Sie könnten Einzug in die Verwaltung vieler Lebensbereiche halten. Hier liegen neben Chancen auch deutliche Risiken für die nachhaltige Entwicklung.