Digital Currencies Issued By Central Banks Will Be Catastrophic

Governments and central banks around the world have begun to champion and adopt central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). While governments have inflated the state’s role using the concept of safety, central banks have inflated the supply of traditional fiat currencies by utilizing the effects of these actions. We have never witnessed interventions on this scale, not even in the face of a global conflict. With all that’s going on in the world today, what do we know about this new concept in currency, who’s backing CBDCs and what concerns do people have?

A central bank digital currency (CBDC) is a type of digital currency issued and regulated by a country’s central bank. It is a digital form of fiat money, representing a secure and government-backed means of payment. CBDCs are designed to be used as a medium of exchange, just like traditional forms of currency such as banknotes and coins, but in digital form.

Unlike cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, which are decentralized and typically not backed by any central authority, CBDCs are centralized and issued by a country’s central bank. They aim to combine the benefits of digital payments with the stability and trust associated with fiat currencies. CBDCs can be used for a wide range of transactions, including online and offline purchases, peer-to-peer transfers, and remittances.

CBDCs can come in different forms. They can be account-based, where individuals and businesses hold digital accounts directly with the central bank, or token-based, where digital tokens are issued and transferred using a distributed ledger technology like blockchain.

The introduction of CBDCs can have various objectives, including improving financial inclusion, reducing the cost and friction of transactions, enhancing payment system efficiency, and providing an alternative to privately issued cryptocurrencies. CBDCs also give central banks greater visibility and control over the money supply, allowing for more effective monetary policy implementation and financial stability.

It’s important to note that while CBDCs have gained significant attention and exploration by central banks worldwide, as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, only a few countries had implemented or launched pilot projects for CBDCs. The design and implementation of CBDCs can vary significantly across different countries and depend on specific policy goals and technological considerations.

The timeline for the expansion of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) to potentially replace cash or paper currency is uncertain and can vary by country. The adoption of CBDCs as a full replacement for physical cash would involve significant considerations and challenges, both technological and regulatory.

While some central banks have expressed interest in exploring the possibility of CBDCs as a potential future replacement for cash, it’s important to note that cash continues to be widely used and accepted for transactions globally. Cash provides certain benefits such as accessibility, privacy, and resilience in situations where digital infrastructure may be unreliable or unavailable.

The transition from cash to CBDCs would likely be a gradual process and depend on various factors, including technological readiness, regulatory frameworks, public acceptance, financial inclusion considerations, and addressing potential risks such as cybersecurity and fraud. Additionally, the coexistence of CBDCs with other forms of digital payments and cryptocurrencies would need to be carefully managed.

Some central banks had initiated pilot projects or research into CBDCs, but full-scale implementation and widespread adoption were still in early stages. It’s essential to stay updated on developments in the field of CBDCs as the landscape continues to evolve, and individual central banks make their own decisions regarding the future of cash and digital currency.

Several groups and organizations in the United States have shown interest in exploring and promoting the idea of a central bank digital currency (CBDC). These groups may engage in discussions, research, and advocacy to influence the development and implementation of CBDCs. Here are some examples:

1. Digital Currency Initiative (DCI): The DCI, based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), conducts research and collaborates with central banks on various aspects of digital currency, including CBDCs. They aim to provide expertise, analysis, and recommendations to policymakers.
2. Digital Dollar Project: The Digital Dollar Project is a partnership between the Digital Dollar Foundation and Accenture. It advocates for the exploration and development of a digital dollar in the United States. The project conducts research, explores use cases, and engages with policymakers and stakeholders.
3. Blockchain Association: The Blockchain Association is a trade association representing various blockchain and cryptocurrency companies in the United States. While not exclusively focused on CBDCs, they may advocate for blockchain technology and digital currencies, including CBDCs, through engagement with policymakers and regulators.
4. Chamber of Digital Commerce: The Chamber of Digital Commerce is another prominent trade association that represents the blockchain and digital asset industry in the United States. They work to educate policymakers, advocate for the adoption of blockchain technology, and support initiatives related to CBDCs.
5. Economic think tanks and research organizations: Various economic think tanks and research organizations may conduct studies and provide analysis on CBDCs, influencing the policy discourse. Examples include the Brookings Institution, the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), and the Digital Currency Initiative at MIT, as mentioned earlier.

It’s important to note that the landscape of lobbying and advocacy groups can evolve over time, and new organizations may emerge with specific interests in CBDCs. It’s advisable to stay updated on the latest developments and key stakeholders in the United States.

There were no prominent or organized groups explicitly working against central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) in the United States. However, it’s important to note that discussions and debates surrounding CBDCs involve various perspectives, and some individuals or organizations may express concerns or reservations about their implementation. These concerns can arise from a range of factors, including privacy, cybersecurity, financial stability, and the potential impact on existing financial systems.

Opposition or concerns related to CBDCs can come from various stakeholders, such as:

1. Privacy Advocacy Groups: Some privacy advocacy groups may express concerns about the potential implications of CBDCs on individual privacy and data protection. They may raise questions regarding the collection and use of transactional data associated with digital currencies.
2. Traditional Financial Institutions: Established financial institutions, such as commercial banks, may have concerns about the impact of CBDCs on their role in the financial system. CBDCs could potentially affect deposit-taking activities, payment services, and lending practices, leading to potential challenges or disruptions to their business models.
3. Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Communities: Certain members of the cryptocurrency and blockchain communities, particularly those who value decentralization and independence from central authorities, may view CBDCs as antithetical to the core principles of cryptocurrencies. They may argue that CBDCs could undermine the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies and limit individual financial freedom.

Complex moral, ideological, psychological, economic, and public health ramifications result from A switch to CBDCs. It’s not as straightforward an argument as some would have you believe. But arguably the most significant query we ought to be asking right now, is there any chance that CBDCs could lead to a 1984-like dystopian future? Is there a junction where world governments and world banks come together to form a world wide monopoly on literally everything? Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) may be the most likely candidate for this convergence of monetary and governmental policy of all the changes to come. CBDCs are not a secret society. They don’t exist in some fictional dismal dream. They are currently being developed and put to use right now.  There are many well-backed organizations working to bring about adoption of the digital dollar, but opposition doesn’t seem to be very organized or well funded. I guess we just have to trust that giant multinational Corporations and Banks have everyone’s best interests at heart.

Wait until they turn off your electric car or your electric air-conditioning, or empty your electronic funds.

Getting it yet? https://t.co/jBBf9UQf6j

— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) June 2, 2023