Wondering if governments and authorities can profit from Bitcoin? If so, here’s how this virtual currency can help governments.
Bitcoin and the blockchain technology behind it are hot topics for governments and authorities. In particular, blockchain is a mainstream topic, with authorities looking for ways to profit from it. This may be because governments have realized the cross-functional applicability of this technology.
On the other hand, many individuals and businesses are enthusiastic about Bitcoin. This is because this digital currency offers them more freedom than fiat currency. Individuals and businesses rely on banks and other financial service providers when using conventional money. Unfortunately, banks charge high fees for their services. In addition, they are inefficient and not always available, unlike Bitcoin.
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The role of Bitcoin in the world
Now that many people are aware of Bitcoin, some are wondering why the world needs another currency when it has fiat currency. Well, Bitcoin and its blockchain technology represent an innovation. Bitcoin is a modern digital currency that fits into a world where people are conducting cashless transactions more than ever.
What’s more, Bitcoin creates opportunities for innovation. For example, many developers have created digital platforms to trade this digital currency and make profits. Additionally, this virtual currency allows individuals to transact transparently and securely.
Bitcoin operates on a decentralized system, which differentiates it from the fiat currency of a country’s central bank. Perhaps the primary importance of Bitcoin lies in its ability to allow users to transact anonymously, anytime, anywhere. Thus, Bitcoin is more efficient than payment methods such as bank transfers. Additionally, eliminating middlemen makes Bitcoin transactions less expensive.
How Bitcoin can benefit governments and authorities
Governments incur operational costs when printing, storing, transporting and clearing conventional money. In contrast, Bitcoin relies on miners validating transactions and earning new digital coins as rewards. Here’s how Bitcoin can benefit governments and authorities.
- Earning the Trust of Citizens: It’s no secret that most people around the world do not trust governments. This is because many people view government agencies or authorities as corrupt, especially in developing countries. Bitcoin can help governments gain the trust of citizens by improving the transparency of transactions. The underlying technology of Bitcoin creates a transparent public ledger that allows users to control and track all transactions. Thus, citizens can verify transactions and government claims on the blockchain when a country adopts and uses Bitcoin.
- Data Protection: Most fiat currency transactions involve personal information like social security numbers, full names and addresses. Unfortunately, data breaches have allowed criminals to access this data and use it for malicious activities. Bitcoin does not require such information from the transacting parties. Therefore, the adoption of Bitcoin can help governments and authorities prevent data breaches when transacting with ordinary citizens.
- Improve efficiency: Bitcoin transactions are faster than conventional payment methods. In some cases, government agencies take several days to confirm receipt of payments from citizens. By adopting and using Bitcoin, government agencies can be efficient and responsive to the needs of citizens.
While some governments are looking for ways to integrate Bitcoin and its underlying technology into their operations, others are cracking down on it and making it illegal. For example, China has banned Bitcoin mining, meaning it is illegal to mine this virtual currency. At the same time, El Salvador made this digital currency legal tender. Thus, different governments and authorities perceive Bitcoin differently.
Final Thoughts
Bitcoin can benefit governments in several ways. However, this digital currency remains very volatile, making it difficult for authorities to use it for daily transactions. Still, its underlying technology could help governments eliminate corruption, improve efficiency, and gain citizen trust by being more transparent.